UPDF, French army conclude 10 day joint mountain warfare drills
The Ugandan army and their counterparts from France have concluded a 10 day joint military exercise in mountain warfare.
The joint military exercise code named Mountain Ghost conducted at Karugutu Training School in Ntoroko district climaxed with special drills along mountain Rwenzori.
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Speaking at the closing function, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces. Lt Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi urged soldiers to keep good health and physically fit if they are to stay safe and serve the country longer.
“The best welfare for a soldier is first class training, because it gives you confidence and enough skills,” Gen Mbadi said.
The troops undergoing drills.
He added that being a professional army, the UPDF will always prays for peace but noted they will never stop preparing any eventualities.
"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, so we must prepare and that’s why we selected you to attend this course,'’ he stressed.
He warned the soldiers against alcohol, drug abuse and prostitution which he said would affect their health greatly.
The Deputy Chief of the Ugandan Defence Forces commended the French government and their troops for accepting to share knowledge and skills to their counterparts from 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 team work and cooperation.
He added that the training was meant to make them perform their duties easily.
The Commandant Karugutu Mountain Warfare training school Col Dothan Mukasa applauded the Ugandan and the army leadership for the continued support rendered to the school.
He was however quick to say that the school still needs more support in order to continue equipping soldiers with quality skills.
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 aimed at keeping peace and security.
The 10 day joint exercise which run from May 20 to 30 2019 was aimed at improving the troops’ maneuverability and flexibility within the mountains easier for better protection of the country.
The overall best student was Maj. SM Okole whereas the best in the field were Pte. Steven Mutakubya and Lance Corporal Felix Awokono.
