By Kampala Post Reporter
French and UPDF soldiers on Thursday ended a combined training exercise in mountain warfare along the Mt Rwenzori range in Western Uganda.
While officiating at the function, the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces Lt Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi urged soldiers to keep good health, physically fit through regular exercise to stay safe and serve the country longer.
The week long exercise was being conducted at Karugutu mountain warfare training school in Ntoroko district. Lt Gen Mbadi cautioned soldiers against alcoholism, drug abuse, prostitution and any other activities that can affect their health.
He encouraged soldiers to continue training in order to prepare for future assignments. “The best welfare for a soldier is first class training, because it gives you confidence and enough skills,” Gen Mbadi said. He added, “UPDF is a professional Force which always prays for peace and shall never stop preparing. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, so we must prepare and that’s why we selected you to attend this course.”
The D/CDF commended the French government and French troops for having accepted to come and share knowledge and skills to their counterparts the UPDF. Brig James Kinalwa on behalf of the Chief of Training and Recruitment congratulated the soldiers upon finishing the course successfully and asked them to continue with the spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
He added that the training was meant to make them perform their duties easily because of the knowledge and skills acquired during the course. The Commandant Karugutu Mountain Warfare training school Col Dothan Mukasa thanked the government of Uganda and the UPDF leadership for the continued support to the school. He said that the school has acquired everything necessary for the training process to continue.
The French Defense Attaché to Uganda Lt Col Fabien Miclot commended UPDF's effort in fighting terrorism especially in Somalia. “Fighting terrorism is a common cause and that’s why we are engaged in joint operations to create no room for terrorists,'’ Lt Col Fabien said. He added that France is proud of Uganda's cooperation with other countries with the aim of keeping peace and security.
The joint 10 days training exercise has been running since May 20, with the aim of making soldiers' maneuverability and flexibility within the mountains easier for better protection of the country. The Chief Instructor Lt Col JK Kiyengo, instructors and all support staff were commended for the good work towards the success of the training.
The overall best student was Maj SM Okole, best in the field was Pte Mutakubya Steven and Lcp Awokono Felix.
