By Richard Onapatum
161 UPDF officers have been passed out after completing six months of training in Artillery and anti–aircraft at Olilim School of Field Art and Air Defense in Katakwi district.
The training was aimed at imparting leadership skills, command ability, and gunnery knowledge to junior officers.
The trainees also obtained skills in physical presence, professional competence, and high moral character to become qualified and capable Gun Position Officers and Troop Commanders.
The training that started in July 2023, comprised 73 artillery and 92 anti–aircraft officers.
Only four trainees dropped out due to incompetence.
Col Ali Kiiza Kasauli, the 4th and current substantive Director of Anti Aircraft, urged the graduates to work hard, keep discipline, and desist from reckless behaviors.
Kasauli acknowledged that they are struggling to fill the command gaps since most officers have retired, deployed in foreign missions, are old age, sickly and others have died in the service. He said that new units have been created and all have gaps that need to be filled with young officers.
Kasauli also applauded the people of Napak and Katakwi districts for their tolerance and cooperation to stay away from targeted areas that were used for firing exercises.
Maj Gen Don Nabasa, the UPDF 3rd Division Commander urged the trainees to consider undertaking more technical courses to be able to master the maintenance of equipment.
Nabasa noted that gaining more knowledge would also help the officers to command several troops and keep their heads healthy.
Nabasa also encouraged the officers to continue reading literature on Artillery which will enable them to catch up with the new technology and fighting equipment.