Kololo displays military might
Jan 26, 2006
<br>THE National Resistance Movement (NRM) 20th anniversary was yesterday marked with a colourful demonstration by the army.
By F. Ahimbisibwe
and Milton Olupot
THE National Resistance Movement (NRM) 20th anniversary was yesterday marked with a colourful demonstration by the army.
Helicopter gunships and MiG-17, MiG-21 and 24 jet fighters flew over Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in formation, sending the crowd into excitement.
Another demonstration by the land forces showed heavy armoured vehicles and tanks as the crowd looked on in awe.
Both the Infantry and Air Force divisions demonstrated how the UPDF has been transformed from a force of 27 AK-47 guns to a fully-professional and well-equipped force.
They displayed field engineering units, motorised infantry units, air defence systems, field artillery and service brigade units and training facilities.
The Air Force displayed helicopters which carry out medical evacuation, training and reconnaissance, MI-17 (sura mbaaya) which carry logistics and also launch offensives, MI24 helicopter gunships and MIG 21, a fast and small jet-fighter for defending Uganda’s airspace.
Army spokesperson Major Felix Kulayigye said the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) display was meant to show Ugandans that their money was well spent on the defence of the country.
“We have come a long way but the 20 years have not been a waste.
“The UPDF now has the potential to protect citizens and their property. This is an accountability of how your money is spent,†Kulayigye said.
President Yoweri Museveni told the huge crowd that the display was intended to show the nation that “everything is under control.â€
“Defence is our sovereign area. Nobody can comment except the President and the Parliament who have the mandate of the people,†he said.
Kulayigye said the elaborate display of the UPDF’s arsenal was also to show Uganda’s potential against insurgency.
The Land Forces, commanded by Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala, displayed tanks.
The air force was commanded by Maj. Gen. Jim Owoyesigire. Generals Aronda Nyakairima (Chief of Defence Forces), Elly Tumwine and David Tinyefuza were present.
Also present were Lt. Generals Wamala and Ivan Koreta and Major Generals James Mugira and Owoyesigire.
Ends
and Milton Olupot
THE National Resistance Movement (NRM) 20th anniversary was yesterday marked with a colourful demonstration by the army.
Helicopter gunships and MiG-17, MiG-21 and 24 jet fighters flew over Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in formation, sending the crowd into excitement.
Another demonstration by the land forces showed heavy armoured vehicles and tanks as the crowd looked on in awe.
Both the Infantry and Air Force divisions demonstrated how the UPDF has been transformed from a force of 27 AK-47 guns to a fully-professional and well-equipped force.
They displayed field engineering units, motorised infantry units, air defence systems, field artillery and service brigade units and training facilities.
The Air Force displayed helicopters which carry out medical evacuation, training and reconnaissance, MI-17 (sura mbaaya) which carry logistics and also launch offensives, MI24 helicopter gunships and MIG 21, a fast and small jet-fighter for defending Uganda’s airspace.
Army spokesperson Major Felix Kulayigye said the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) display was meant to show Ugandans that their money was well spent on the defence of the country.
“We have come a long way but the 20 years have not been a waste.
“The UPDF now has the potential to protect citizens and their property. This is an accountability of how your money is spent,†Kulayigye said.
President Yoweri Museveni told the huge crowd that the display was intended to show the nation that “everything is under control.â€
“Defence is our sovereign area. Nobody can comment except the President and the Parliament who have the mandate of the people,†he said.
Kulayigye said the elaborate display of the UPDF’s arsenal was also to show Uganda’s potential against insurgency.
The Land Forces, commanded by Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala, displayed tanks.
The air force was commanded by Maj. Gen. Jim Owoyesigire. Generals Aronda Nyakairima (Chief of Defence Forces), Elly Tumwine and David Tinyefuza were present.
Also present were Lt. Generals Wamala and Ivan Koreta and Major Generals James Mugira and Owoyesigire.
Ends