UPDF to build mountain warfare training institute

PIC: President Museveni looks through some of the military equipment being used the UDPF soldiers undertaking the mountain welfare specialized training in Kilembe, Kasese district. Looking on is Captain Balanche Pierrick, the head of the training. (PPU)

KASESE - The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) is set to establish a specialized mountain warfare force to secure all Uganda's mountains, President Yoweri Museveni, who is also Commander-in-Chief, has revealed.

He made the remarks on Friday at Kyanjuki Village in Kasese district at the foot of Mt. Rwenzori where he had gone to witness a military training exercise by the unit who are being trained by French instructors.

The French Ambassador to Uganda, Sophie Makame, accompanied the President.

According to a release from the president's office, Museveni while addressing residents of Kyanjuki village shortly after witnessing the exercise, said the training of the UPDF on mountain warfare was necessitated by the need to secure the Ugandan mountains for security of those living nearby and for tourism.

"These places like the Rwenzori Mountains are very beautiful and we should cherish them and make them safe.

"Even non-Ugandans love them and that's why you see them coming here every day to see them, and as a country we earn from them," said Museveni.

Here, Museveni and Pierrick watch a soldier zipline across River Nyambwamba in Kilembe. (PPU)

The President, who thanked the French government for their support, said although the UPDF is doing a good job securing the mountainous areas, it is important in the modern era for the army to have a specialized institute.

He inspected a set of modern equipment used in mountain warfare training and operations such as mountain climbing and river crossing.

On her part, Ms Makame said the French government will partner with Uganda and support the training.

The French lead instructor, Capt. Pierrick Balanche, commended the UPDF for being a "reliable force", adding that the trainees were good learners, disciplined and physically fit.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, the French military attaché to Uganda Lt. Col. George Jacuno and the 2nd Division Commander Brig. Peter Erweru were also there.