The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mountain Division has commissioned 90 newly trained artillery personnel in a move to enhance its combat capabilities and operational readiness.
The pass-out ceremony took place at Muhooti Barracks in Kabarole District and was presided over by Brig Gen Paul Muwonge, Deputy Commander of the Mountain Division.
Brig Gen Muwonge underscored the significance of artillery in modern warfare. “Artillery is a vital component that supports the infantry, whether in conventional or counter-insurgency operations,” he said. He noted that artillery played a decisive role in past battles in Kaya and Oraba and continues to be critical in the ongoing campaign against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He attributed recent battlefield successes to the UPDF’s combined arms approach, which allows for coordinated and effective use of firepower. He praised the Commander-in-Chief for championing the strategy, which has led to the swift neutralization of enemy camps.
Brig Gen Muwonge called for constant adaptation to evolving warfare tactics, warning that adversaries now employ more agile and technologically advanced methods. He urged the graduates to remain focused and ready to respond to modern combat demands.
He commended the trainees for their discipline and endurance throughout the course. He also thanked the political commissar for guiding the soldiers ideologically during training.
Lt Col Kilama, Commander of the 105 Artillery Brigade, said the training marked a significant milestone in the professional development of the personnel. “Keep your books and keep reading them,” he advised. “The knowledge and skills you’ve acquired must remain at your fingertips, ready for deployment when called upon.”
The cohort included two female soldiers, reflecting the UPDF’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equity within its ranks.
Senior officers, brigade commanders, and local district officials attended the ceremony, underscoring the importance of the occasion in the UPDF’s ongoing efforts to professionalize its forces.
