321 Military Personnel Graduate in Special Forces VVIP Protection Course

On July 25, 2024, a graduation ceremony was held for 321 military personnel from the Special Force Command (SFC) who completed the tier II course at the Very Very Important Persons’ Training School (VVIPTS) in Sera Kasenyi, Entebbe. The course is part of the intake 3 of the 2023/24 training year.

The ceremony, which marked the end of a rigorous training period, was attended by Col John Bosco Asinguza, the Commander of the First Special Force Group (SFG), who spoke on behalf of Maj Gen. David Mugisha, the SFC Commander. Col Asinguza commended the graduates for their commitment, emphasizing qualities such as duty, honor, patriotism, and selflessness. He acknowledged the significant sacrifices required for such a role, urging the new graduates to put the needs of others and the country before their own.

Major Jimmy Omara, the SFC spokesperson, relayed Col Asinguza’s message about the importance of training. He highlighted that the course provided essential skills for quick assessment of situations, precision in response, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. According to Omara, these qualities are critical for the elite defenders of the nation.

Col Asinguza also stressed the need for ongoing training to achieve tactical proficiency. He noted that maintaining physical fitness, discipline, and ideological motivation are crucial for the graduates. He emphasized that the role requires not just technical skills but also a strong sense of integrity and responsibility.

Col Wilson Bagonza, the Commander of the Second Special Forces Group (SFG), observed that the course objectives were met, as demonstrated by the trainees during various exercises. He expressed gratitude to Maj Gen. Mugisha for his guidance and mentoring throughout the training process. Bagonza also urged the graduates to avoid subversive behaviors and to promote patriotism and excellence.

Col Paul Namawa, the Director of Operations for SFC, congratulated the graduates on their achievement and acknowledged the hard work of the instructors. He advised the new graduates to remain vigilant, manage their ambitions, and uphold the highest standards of values.

Lt Col Phillip Mugizi, the Director of Training for SFC, detailed the decision to hold a joint pass-out ceremony for the tier II training programme. The event combined the efforts of 143 operators from the SFC Fort Samora Marcel Training School (FSMTS) in Kaweweta and 178 from VVIPTS Sera Kasenyi. This induction course is designed to prepare new militants for elite special battalions, introducing them to basic unit tactics.

Lt Col Frank Mulema, the Commandant of VVIPTS Sera Kasenyi, described the course, which began on August 27, 2023, as comprehensive. It covered VVIP protection, political education, close-quarters combat, communication, public health, and martial arts over a period of 28 weeks. Mulema thanked the SFC leadership and the Directorate of Training for their support and guidance throughout the course.

The graduation ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials including the Commander of the Second SFG, the Director of Operations, the Director of Intelligence, and other senior members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).