By Delux Emmy Alomu
MOROTO
Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, the Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, has urged soldiers to reconsider their motivations for joining specialized units like artillery, warning against doing so solely for financial gain.
He compared their current situation to the National Resistance Army’s efforts in the 1985 liberation struggle, emphasizing that those earlier fighters were driven by conviction and patriotism long before salaries became a priority.
His comments came during the passing out ceremony for 106 soldiers from the 106 Artillery Brigade, who had just completed a specialized course on light artillery systems.
The event took place over the weekend at Nakiloro in Rupa Sub-County, Moroto District. The ceremony also featured a combined graduation drill alongside a field exercise named “Last Fire.”
Gen. Sserunkuma highlighted the necessity of vigilance, discipline, and proper military equipment handling, urging soldiers to stay dedicated to their duty of national protection and to prioritize ideological clarity and patriotism while serving the UPDF’s mission of safeguarding citizens and their property.
Col. Ochen, Commander of the 106 Artillery Brigade, announced that the training on light artillery systems is the first step in a wider modernization effort, with plans to train all personnel on various weapon calibers.
“We have several calibers of weapons which we intend to train all our men on,” Col Ochen said.
The Deputy Commander of the Division, Brig Gen Allan Kyangungu, commended the soldiers for maintaining discipline throughout the training programme.
During the ceremony, outstanding trainees were recognized for exceptional performance. Private Atuyambe Scholar was named the overall best student, while Private Abenegu Saturday emerged as the best in class. Sgt Luwum Santos was recognised as the best in field exercises, and WO1 Lokiyol Andrew received the award for the most disciplined student.
The event was attended by senior division leadership, including brigade commanders, the Commandant of the School of Artillery and Air Defence (SAAD) Olilim in Katakwi District, as well as senior and junior officers of the division.
