By Andrew Irumba
The Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) on Saturday passed 351 Artillery and 120 Anti –Aircraft officers, among them only four females.
During pass out ceremony held at Olilim Training ground in Katakwi district, Brigadier Moses Kwikiriza, the Deputy Commander of the UPDF 3rd Division, thanked the officers for their endurance during the six months training.
He urged them to continue improving themselves through reading and practicing so that they maintain combat standard required in winning the war. Brig. Kwikiriza also called upon the officers to remain in good health and maintain discipline so that they are able to serve for long in UPDF.
Maj. General Sam Okiding, the Commander Field Artillery Division, urged parents to encourage their children to study Mathematics so that they can qualify to give quality services to UPDF.
Okiding pointed out that people with mathematics background are easy to train. He said he has a task to train about 1000 soldiers in that category. The officers demonstrated their skills in firing artillery and anti-aircraft guns.
Private Paul Bizimumgu emerged the best in survey while Private Eddy Kanika emerged the best in weapon technic. Others were Private Emmanuel Okedi, who emerged best in 130 millimeter gunshot while Godfrey Luma was the best in the 120 millimeter gun.
Norman Ssendagire was the best in the 1.2 millimeter gun, which is sometimes called BM 121, while Private Flavia Aheifidue emerged the best in the 23 millimeter Anti-Aircraft Machine gun.
The officers who were passed out now await deployment.
