Rupa,Moroto – The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces 3 Infantry Division has passed out 106 soldiers from the 106 Artillery Brigade after they completed a specialized course in light artillery systems at Nakiloro, Rupa Sub-county, Moroto District.
The pass-out ceremony combined a graduation drill with a field exercise code-named “Last Fire,” marking the conclusion of the intensive training.
Officiating at the event, 3 Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma urged the graduates to uphold vigilance, discipline, and proper handling of military equipment. “You are here because of the country, so take good care of your weapons so they can also take care of you,” he said.
Gen. Sserunkuma cautioned soldiers against joining specialized units like artillery for financial gain, recalling the 1985 liberation struggle when the National Resistance Army fought out of conviction and patriotism before stable salaries were introduced. He stressed ideological clarity and patriotism, calling on the graduates to remain steadfast in the UPDF’s core mission of protecting wananchi and their property, with national interest above personal gain.
Deputy Division Commander Brig. Gen. Allan Kyangungu commended the soldiers for maintaining discipline throughout the training.
106 Artillery Brigade Commander Col. Ochen said the course focused on light artillery systems and is part of a wider modernization drive within the brigade. “We have several calibres of weapons which we intend to train all our men on,” he noted.
Four soldiers were recognized for outstanding performance: Pte Atuyambe Scholar was named overall best student, Pte Abenegu Saturday best in class, Sgt Luwum Santos best in field exercises, and WO1 Lokiyol Andrew most disciplined student.
The event was attended by brigade commanders, the Commandant of the School of Artillery and Air Defence Olilim, and other senior and junior officers of the division.
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