KASESE – At least 279 Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers who the force had been recommended for early retirement due to ineffectiveness and poor performance have completed refresher training at Hima Military Training School in Kasese.
According Col. Justus Besisira, the Commandant Hima Training School, the soldiers braved two months of training in general military skills, weapon handling, minor tactics, leadership, political education and public health.
He said the soldiers had been recommended for early retirement by their units due to failure to effectively execute their duties.
However, the Chief of Staff-Land Forces Major Gen Leopold Kyanda declined to allow their early retirement and instead sent them for refresher training at Hima.
The training has since ended and the soldiers picked from various units across the country, were passed out on Friday at 309 Hima Brigade.
The graduates also included 71 soldiers who undertook a Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) training at the facility.
During the pass-out, Kyanda cautioned the soldiers against getting involved in reckless behavior and acts that put their lives at risk thus affecting their performance.
In his message delivered by the 2nd Division Training and Operations Officer, Col. Lawrence Kansiime, Kyanda said soldiers continue to delve in acts like alcoholism, drunkenness, which he said affect their efficiency at work.
He emphasized the need for soldiers to desist from having multiple sex partners that exposes them to HIV/AIDS, saying it remains one of the challenges the UPDF continues to grapple with.
He told the soldiers that it was their responsibility to ensure good health since this isn’t only in their best interest but also the interest of the defense force. Kyanda urged soldiers to always remember to maintain a high degree of professionalism within the force such that their actions do not dent the image of the UPDF.
Pte Nathan Kisambira emerged the best overall trainee, Pte Moris Kabo Okello was the best in Field Operations, Corporal Sam Moris Ekomu was the best in academics while Lance Corporal Mary Atim trounced all the trainees in discipline.
