The UPDF Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Wilson Mbadi made the remarks during his mobilization tour of troops at Field Artillery Division Headquarters, in Masindi District.

“An old force is not good for National Defence and therefore retirement is necessary,” he emphasized, adding that doing national Defence requires an energetic force that is also flexible and agile; imploring serving troops to respect those who have been at the helm of defending this country, noting that it is their time to rest and create space for the younger troops to carry on with the mantle.

Gen Mbadi also reminded the troops about the duties and responsibilities of a professional UPDF officers which include; Protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, Engagement in productive activities for the development of the country, fostering harmony and understanding between civilians and troops, and Cooperation with civilian components in emergency situations to ensure that there is socio-economic transformation of the country.

He noted that the maintenance of a stable security environment has enabled the growth in infrastructure across the country, save for the isolated incidents of cattle theft most especially in Karamoja sub-region and a few cases of insecurity caused by the ADF terrorists to residents in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts.

He appreciated that the Joint security capabilities against ADF by both UPDF and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, (FARDC) has scaled down the ADF strength, adding that they now operate in small groups, prompting the change of tactics so as to deal with the splinter groups.

The CDF assured officers and militants that all their salaries shall be enhanced but in phases, noting that they have already enhanced salaries from senior officers to Generals. He explained that others will follow suit in the next financial year and he warned troops to desist from engaging in bad habits like over drinking, desertion and promiscuity among others.

Gen Mbadi implored the troops to utilize services provided by the UPDF leadership like the health care and education services, clean water, power and subsidised products at the Defence Forces Shops, spread out in different parts of the Forces’ deployment u order to improve their standards of living.

UPDF has a mark of peace and security in Central African Republic, DR Congo, Somalia and South Sudan; and this is in fulfillment of the Pan African agenda of UPDF. The CDF was accompanied at the meeting by the Commander of the UPDF Motorized Infantry Brig Gen Charles Byanyima, Commandant of the Nakasongola Air force Wing, Brig Gen Chris Kasaija and Officers from the Field Artillery Division Col Ouma among other General Officers and Senior Officers.

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This is the 12th pre-mission ideological training since ideological rejuvenation for AMISOM destined battle groups commenced at PSO-TC Singo with BG XXII in June 2017. 

Some 2,255 members composing of in-service soldiers with Uganda Peoples Defence Forces combat arms and services were passed out under the Command of ColL Ezra Byaruhanga.

In attendance was the Commandant, Brig-Gen Bonny Wolimbwa,  the Director of Political Education Land Forces, Col Anatoli Nuwagira who represented the Chief Political Commissar(CPC), and United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) Commander  Lt Col Mugungu among others. 

The objectives of the training were to enhance ideological awareness among the troops and open the members’ perspective on matters of an individual, institutional and national consciousness. To instill conscious discipline among the troops especially in mission areas where the UPDF image is paramount. 

Through the commissariat, BG XXXIII  has gone through a constituted package suitable for troops going for the mission and back to the country. 

Packages included the importance of ideological development in UPDF, political economy, revolutionary philosophy, mindset change, history of Uganda since the pre-colonial era to date, Uganda’s resources, development and understanding Uganda, subversive tendencies and revolutionary methods of work, family and parentage, financial literacy, counseling and guidance/psycho-social support, ethics and military, patriotism, offenses and punishment, ethics and morality and media in operational areas among others. 

The CDF in his speech emphasized efficiency and effectiveness as enhancers that enable the UPDF to deliver on its mandate. He went on to say that the highest type of efficiency is that which can utilize the existing material to the best advantage as strategic and operational needs decrease in a resource-constrained environment with a cocktail of complexities and challenges that impose limitations on decision-makers and implementers. 

Furthermore, he gave highlights on mandatory authority, vision 2040 that identifies defense, peace, and security as one of the cores, UPDF vision, and core mission, and  Uganda’s vision for defense as a strategic goal for Uganda to be prosperous by modernizing and causing a metamorphosis of Ugandan society into a middle class, skilled working class and eventually into a knowledge-based class among others. 

The CDF wished the troops the best in their service for our Motherland, Uganda while on a mission in Somalia.

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