Kampala — President Yoweri Museveni has passed out more tank crews in the categories of tank commanders, gunners, loaders and drivers.

The tank crew members, who have been undergoing a 10-month training course, were passed out on Sunday at Kalama Armoured Training School in Mubende district.

A statement from Presidential Press Secretary Mary Okurut said Museveni commended the crews for their skills that were earlier displayed during the combined arms exercise shortly before pass out.

He assured them that more instructors would be availed by the UPDF to ensure that tank crews' skills continue being sharpened.

Museveni also appealed to the crews to guard against HIV/AIDS. Museveni said the armoured training school's infrastructure will be built and urged them to realise that instructors and teaching aids are their most important aspects

Acting Chief of Staff Brig. Lakara Nakibus said that President Museveni's presence at the occasion showed his total commitment to his pledge to Ugandans to make the UPDF professional.

The Armoured Brigade Commanding Officer, Brig. Aronda Nyakairima, commended Museveni for keeping his manifesto of modernising the UPDF.

He said that specialisation is going to be emphasised in the armoured brigade.

Second Lieutenant Bernard Okollu was the best tank commander while Pte Patrick Acidri was the best gunner.

Pte Nathan Ahabwe was best loader and Pte Baguma Karim was rated the best tank driver. The most disciplined student was Pte Sunday Inira.

The president awarded them certificates and gifts.