5 Infantry Division Opens Special-to-Arms Training For New Soldiers

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 5 Infantry Division has today opened special-to-arms training for soldiers from Intake 01/26-27 to strengthen their military skills and confidence and prepare them for deployment in the operational environment.

The training was opened at the 5 Infantry Division Training School (5IDTS), Labwordwong, in Agago District.

The trainees are among the recruits who passed out on July 9, 2026, from different basic military training schools and are currently deployed under 5 Division.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Division Commander, Col Gai Fraser Mpadwa, described the training as an important component of professional career development in the UPDF intended to build confidence in the soldiers, which is required during operations in different units and environments.

He urged the trainees to uphold UPDF values, understand what is taught to them under the guidance of instructors and acquire enough knowledge to keep them safe in their future assignments.

“The purpose of the training is to correct weakness before they become problems during operations,” he said.

Col Mpadwa encouraged the trainees to be alert, disciplined and physically fit to operate as a team.

“Take the training seriously and make maximum use of the training to operate effectively and safely,” he said.

He called upon the instructors, led by the School Chief Instructor, Lt Col Hakim Naseem, to ensure that the training is practical, progressive and realistic to the contemporary demands of modern warfare.

He highlighted that modern operations happen during day and night and in all environments and atmospheres, be it mountainous, desert or woodland.

“The level of training directly influences confidence, discipline and effectiveness during operations. Good soldiers are not only expected to carry weapons but to maintain them and operate effectively. Protect the civilians and relate with them well during operations,” he said.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Division Operations and Training Officer, Col Peter Musherure, the Division Artillery Commander, Lt Col David Ntimba, the 803 Motorised Infantry Brigade Operations Officer, Lt Col Hassan Drago Bogere, and other senior and junior officers of the Division and the training school.