The commander of the Special Forces(SFC), Maj Gen David Mugisha has hailed the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for efforts towards the modernization of the UPDF.
“ Under his mentorship, we have witnessed significant strides in the areas of training, combat readiness, equipment acquisition, and, most importantly, the welfare of our men and women in uniform. His vision has breathed new life into our mission, and we are proud to be part of this transformative journey,” Maj Gen Mugisha said.
He was on Monday speaking during the opening ceremony of a four day political education orientation symposium at SFC headquarters in Entebbe.
The symposium will end on Thursday, June, 19.
According to the SFC commander, the symposium provides a unique opportunity for soldiers to deepen their ideological understanding, enhance cohesion within their ranks, and examine how ideology and opinions operational effectiveness.
“As members of Special Forces Command, we are not only tasked with executing the most sensitive and strategic missions, but also with upholding the highest and ideological standards of the Uganda People's Defense Forces. The foundation of any strong military force lies not only in the weapon that it wields or uniforms that it wears, but in the ideological clarity and patriotism of its personnel.”
The SFC commander urged soldiers to use the symposium to recommit themselves to the tenets of the UPDF’s ideological heritage and calling of defending the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
The director of political commissariat within SFC , Col Moses Musinguzi said the symposium is aimed at ideologically reorienting Special Forces Command soldiers.
“We hope that by the time you leave here, you will be creating engines for ideological rearrangement of the soldiers at different units but also enhance cooperation amongst officers of different units. The workshop will also increase engagements of officers in crafting solutions to the known cooperation challenges, enlighten participants on the emerging technological threats, challenges and the way forward but also devising welfare interventions for officers and soldiers to create a favorable working environment ,” Col Musinguzi said.
The Director Human Resource Management in SFC, Col John Mango Baraza, made a presentation on career development in the UPDF
He said career development in military context refers the systematic advancement of an individual's career through promotions, increasing possibilities, specialized training and accretion of skills and qualifications.
“All of us here must know that we cannot become generals at the same time. A lot of complaints, especially after promotions and after selection for courses have come up. We need to remind ourselves about this, such that you avoid complaining . You should know that promotions cant come at the same time and there are factors followed while doing the promotions,” Col Baraza said.
According the SFC spokesperson, Maj Jimmy Omara, the seminar aims to nurture and develop future generations of military leaders who are informed, ethical and committed to public service.
"It also provides the foundation for understanding the complexities associated with leadership as well as fostering critical thinking and ensuring that future leaders are well equipped to address challenges in societies," Maj Omara said.
The function was attended among others by the Commander of 3 Special Forces Group, Col Bagonza, Col Joseph Bahikire, Col Night Ikiriza, Col John Mango Baraza, Col Moses Musinguzi, Col Paul Lokut and Maj Isaac Namazima among others.
The function drew officers from the different formations and units under SFC.