The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Mayuge, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Thirty UPDF marine soldiers graduated Wednesday after completing a three-month coxswain course at the Ntokoro marine military base in Mayuge district. The training focused on life-saving skills, enabling the graduates to navigate water bodies with ease.
The coxswains were also retooled in primary tactics for managing marine fighting equipment to effectively address crises during attacks and trained in water transport management to prevent accidents. Brigadier Alex Olupot from the UPDF’s joint staff training and doctrine emphasized that training empowers troops with essential skills, which over time enhances their professionalism.
He noted that professionalizing the army is crucial for national security and fulfills the government’s pledge to secure citizens on all fronts. “The commander in chief promised a professional army to Ugandans, capable of operating in all aspects like land and air to guarantee Uganda’s security, which is manifested in such buildups,” he stated.
Olupot further stressed the importance of harmonious relations between civilians and the UPDF, arguing that both entities are interdependent for their continued existence. “You civilians are the water, and UPDF represents fish in this context; therefore, we cannot survive without you. UPDF cannot afford antagonistic relations with civilians, and that is why we give you value and respect at all fronts,” he explained.
Brigadier Michael Nyarwa, the marine brigade commander, challenged the coxswains to effectively apply the skills learned during training, as this will enable them to serve both the force and the nation effectively. Nyarwa noted that it is the commander-in-chief’s wish for the force to strategically grow in all aspects and encouraged the coxswains to pursue further courses to enhance their military careers.
Meanwhile, Mayuge Resident District Commissioner Thomas Matende praised the UPDF for strengthening its relationship with the surrounding communities in Ntokoro village, where many residents rely on fishing and fetching water along the marine base shoreline.
“I have reliable reports from residents who not only fetch water and fish from the marine base shoreline but also access free medical care and life-saving skills, which is improving cohesion in this part of the world,” he said. Matende argued that these traits reflect the benefits of a skilled army capable of integrating civilians into the overall safety and security of communities.
******
URN
