The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, has called upon Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops in Somalia to be extra vigilant during the Christmas period since the Al-Shabaab takes advantage of the festive season to execute attacks against AMISOM troops in the country.
Lt Gen Elwelu made the remarks on Friday while speaking to over 2,500 soldiers at the closure of the 13th Pre-Mission Ideological Training and flag-off of BG-XXXVI and UNGU-VIII at Peace Support Operations Training Centre, Singo in Nakaseke District.
He reminded the officers and militants that AMISOM is an important Mission for Uganda and the African Continent and urged them to always remember the Ideology of the UPDF which is a People’s Army working for the People.
Gen. Elwelu however called upon the soldiers to work closely with other partner States in Somalia and be cautious as the International Community is watching their actions.
The Commandant of the Centre, Brig Gen Bonny Wolimbwa remarked that the troops had successfully completed the necessary training and met the requirements for the mission and are ready for deployment.
He urged them to maintain the discipline that they exhibited during training and not get diverted when they are deployed to the mission area.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Political Commissar, Col Anatoli Nuwagira, the Director of Political Education-Land Forces said the objectives of the Pre-Mission Training that was conducted by internal and external facilitators were: to open the troops’ consciousness and enhance the understanding about themselves and Uganda, conceive and consolidate conscious discipline among the troops, commitment and morale based on conviction.
