The Chief of Staff – Land Forces, Major General Jack Bakasumba has commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Marine Brigade for the successful engagements in monitoring water bodies during their International missions in Somalia and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Maj Gen Bakasumba made the remarks today as he presided over the pass out of sixty-five (65) trainees who completed the Marine Basic Induction Course Intake 05 at the Marine Training School, Kalangalo, Wakiso District.
“Africa as a whole is greatly affected by diverse conflicts. We need to have the capacity to support interventions at different levels at the right time. We are moving steadily in tackling all our security concerns and providing African solutions to African problems,” said Maj Gen Bakasumba.
He challenged the trainees that this being their first course in Maritime operations, they should not take it for granted because they have been equipped with everything and urged them to use the opportunity to enhance their marine capabilities.
The Commander Marines Brigade, Brigadier General Michael Nyarwa said that the Brigade takes training as crucial for the efficient and effective accomplishment of missions and tasks. He added that the Marines Brigade was created to secure national waters and guard onshore and offshore resources in line with the principles of the blue economy.
Brig Gen Nyarwa cautioned the trainees reckless lives and urged them to live up to the UPDF ethos and embrace discipline, knowledge, and ideology for progress in their careers.
The Commandant of the Training School, Lt Col David Kararira in his remarks said that the wholesome training package was relevant to the tasks and missions assigned to the Brigade since the package rotated around the Marine Brigade’s Essential Task List.
Lt Col Kararira urged the trainees to maintain the ethos of the Marine Brigade and said, “You are dependably expected to be the solution to the problems of the Marines and the entire UPDF and it will be your conduct to sail you through. Please, take pride in yourselves and in the Marine Brigade with a view of projecting yourselves for better achievements.”
The best students were; Overall Best – Pte Okot Ronald, Best Swimming – Pte Otim Peter and Best in Academics – Pte Muhenda Oscar.