At the Special Mission Training Centre in Butiaba, Bulisa district, a significant milestone was achieved as 177 soldiers from Guinea-Bissau completed the Very Important Persons (VIP) and Special Operations Tactics Course. Conducted over a period of 16 weeks, this training initiative was facilitated by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, expressed gratitude towards President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unwavering commitment to regional security and stability. He credited the President’s clear foreign policies for fostering peace in the region and contributing to Uganda’s remarkable development.
Major General David Mugisha, the Commander of Special Forces Command, praised the dedication and determination demonstrated by both the UPDF and the Guinea-Bissau forces throughout the training. He emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences to enhance collective capabilities in protecting VIPs and executing specialized operations effectively.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of the People – Guinea-Bissau, Major General Jose Antonio Marques expressed gratitude to the UPDF for accepting to train their nationals. He highlighted the significance of the acquired knowledge and skills in defending Guinea-Bissau, emphasizing the professionalism and discipline exhibited by the trainees.
Brigadier General Alex Opolot Olupot from the Joint Staff – Training and Doctrine emphasized the role of training in fostering Pan-Africanism and strengthening bonds between nations. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between individuals and countries in achieving common security objectives.
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Ogwal Onyinge, the Commandant of the Special Mission Training Centre, acknowledged the support of UPDF leadership in ensuring the successful completion of the training. He detailed the diverse training exercises undertaken by the trainees, ranging from tactical operations to physical fitness training.
The pass-out ceremony was attended by various dignitaries including Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga, the 1 Infantry Division Commander, and Brigadier General Michael Nyarwa, the Commander Marines Brigade. Also present were local government officials, political leaders, religious leaders, and representatives from sister security agencies, underscoring the significance of the event in strengthening partnerships and fostering regional security cooperation.
