Over 600 Officers Complete Intensive Training

The President of Uganda, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, Yoweri Museveni, has passed out 627 officers at the Mechanized Warfare College in Kalama, Mubende District, who have successfully completed courses in company command and basic armour crew operations, a big milestone in their careers.

The graduands included 544 officers who completed the tank and motorized infantry crew course and 83 who undertook the Armour Company Commander’s Course. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, President Museveni commended the achievements of the graduates when he said, “I want to first of all congratulate the trainees of the two courses; the Company Commander’s Course and the crews of the tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. I congratulate you on finishing the courses and I graduate you.”

Historical Insights on Armoured Warfare

The President spoke to the audience regarding the evolution of warfare: the need to understand how armoured vehicles have evolved in order to further improve their efficiency as a fighting machine. He related that European armies relied on their horses for mobility until, during a war in Russia in 1854, machine guns made cavalry almost obsolete.

The machine gun was more efficient, it would kill the horses in quick time,” Museveni explained. This called for the invention of a tank during the First World War. The British developed “mobile trenches” or tanks, which were armored vehicles designed to withstand machine-gun fire and break through enemy lines. “The tanks were labeled as water tanks to conceal their purpose, which is how the name ‘tank’ originated,” he noted.

The President underlined the tank’s potential and its limitations, advocating for the use of combined arms strategies. “Tanks need supporting forces. That’s why we talk of combined arms. War is like that; you need to mix in order to get a good product,” he advised the trainees.

Commitment to Infrastructure Improvement

President Museveni promised to improve the infrastructure at the college for both the trainees and the instructors, a commitment that reflects the government’s concern for the welfare and working environment of UPDF personnel.

Defense Minister and Army Leaders Praise Progress

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth Oboth, congratulated the graduates and hailed President Museveni for his unwavering vision for Uganda and the UPDF. “We want to thank you for prioritizing training in the army and for your vision to transform the UPDF and Uganda,” he said.

Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander UPDF Land Forces described the graduation as a crucial milestone in professionalizing the army. “Training is very important since it perfects our fighting capabilities. When you train hard, you pour less blood in battle,” he asserted.

He also credited the UPDF’s professionalism for keeping peace throughout the country. “There’s peace in all four corners of Uganda because there’s an army that is professional,” he said.

Mechanized Warfare College Aims for Excellence

Col. Wilson Kabeera, the Commandant of Mechanized Warfare College, noted that the institution aspires to be a center of excellence for maneuvers and land operations. He added that the institution’s objective was to ensure that the army had adaptive and competent commanders who could easily operate in different combat environments.

He added, “Our mission is to train agile and adaptive commanders, crews, and combat engineers capable of operating in all combat environments.” Col. Kabeera also thanked President Museveni for his attention to training and the Ministry of Defence for their support.

**Graduates Empowered for Future Challenges

The Commandant congratulated the graduates, assured them of their readiness to take up future missions: “You have been equipped with such skills, techniques, and tactics of employing armour to execute tasks and missions in various operational environments. I am confident that you shall put this knowledge into good use to defeat our enemies,” he remarked.

This milestone underscores the UPDF’s ongoing efforts to professionalize and strengthen its ranks, ensuring that Uganda’s armed forces remain prepared to defend the nation and maintain regional stability.