The Commander in Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces H.E. Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said that there is urgent need for security measures on all the water bodies in our country and protection of fisheries.
This was during the ceremony to launch UPDF Rhino Patrol Boats at 10 Marine Battalion in Entebbe.
“I crossed the lake three times illegally in 1981 with a 25 HPW boat all the way to Kisumu “he said ” Its therefore important to be vigilant on all the water bodies day and night to eliminate terrorists and potential enemies ” . he added.
The President called upon Ugandans to protect fisheries saying its a gift from God and a source of income for the government.
Gen Museveni said that in the bid to beef up security in the country, there is going to be introduction of electronic number plates for motor vehicles , bikes and probably the marine boats.
The President praised UPDF for recruiting and training young manpower pool who are still energetic. He advised the Forces to concentrate on acquiring equipment and infrastructure first, and later human resource to operate them.
The Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi praised the UPDF Marine Brigade for training the soldiers on the skills of water and advised them to use them for the better.
The Commander Marine Brigade, Brig Micheal Nyarwa noted that the enemy is constantly changing and adopting new skills to take advantage of vulnerabilities.
“We believe that combat water survival skills, boat diving etc when used collectively, will deny any miss adventure” he added.
The new boats will greatly beef up the UPDF Maritime operations.
At the same function, a total of five( 5) cadet officers were commissioned by His Excellency the President.
While introducing the new Cadets for commissioning, the Chief of Personel and Administration ( CPA) Brig George Igumba called upon the officers to observe discipline.
The commisioned officers are O/CDTs Mukundane Baker, Onzima Seyakwo James, Tibakula Kabubi Eryeza, Mirembe Betty who trained from the Tanzania Military Academy-Monduli and O/CDT Ntegeka Julius who trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst- UK.
The ceremony was attended by the Commander Land Forces Maj Gen Peter Elwelu, Deputy Air Force Commander Maj Gen Gavas Mugyenyi, Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Joseph Musanyufu and Commander Special Forces Command Brig Don Nabasa among other Senior Officers.
