Pan-African Partnership: UPDF Trains 177 Guinea-Bissau Soldiers in Special Operation Tactics

In a demonstration of strategic cooperation and Pan-African solidarity, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) recently concluded a rigorous 16-week training program for 177 trainees from Guinea-Bissau.

The specialized training, focusing on Very Important Persons (VIP) protection and Special Operations Tactics, culminated in a grand pass-out ceremony held at the Special Mission Training Centre in Butiaba, Bulisa district.

Under the guidance of the UPDF, trainees underwent comprehensive instruction, covering a spectrum of skills essential for VIP protection and specialized operations. These included tactical exercises, casualty care, cordon and search operations, military intelligence, physical fitness training, and range exercises, among others.

At the ceremony, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, extended gratitude to the President of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to regional security and stability in a message. General Kainerugaba emphasized President Museveni’s clear foreign policies as pivotal in fostering peace in the region and facilitating national development.

VIP Protection trainees in a group photo with the guest Maj Gen David Mugisha CSFC and other invited guests (UPDF PHOTO)

Major General David Mugisha, Commander of the Special Forces Command, commended the dedication and resolve exhibited by both the UPDF and Guinea-Bissau forces in advancing the Pan-African agenda of strategic peace and development. He highlighted the significance of knowledge exchange and collaboration in enhancing collective capabilities for protecting VIPs and executing specialized operations with precision.

Representing the Chief of Defence Forces of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of the People – Guinea-Bissau, Major General Jose Antonio Marques expressed gratitude to the UPDF for their willingness to train their nationals. He praised the professionalism and discipline displayed by the trainees and emphasized the importance of the acquired knowledge and skills in safeguarding Guinea-Bissau.

Brigadier General Alex Opolot Olupot, from the Joint Staff – Training and Doctrine, underscored the role of the training program in fostering Pan-Africanism and strengthening bilateral ties between Uganda and Guinea-Bissau.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Ogwal Onyinge, Commandant of the Special Mission Training Centre, thanked UPDF leadership for their support, which facilitated the smooth execution of the training course.

The pass-out ceremony was attended by various dignitaries including Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga, 1 Infantry Division Commander, Brigadier General Michael Nyarwa, Commander Marines Brigade, Mr. Longino Bahebwa, Bulisa Resident District Commissioner, Honourable Allan Atugonza, the area Member of Parliament, representatives from sister security agencies, UPDF senior officers, political leaders, government officials, religious leaders, and militants.