Frederick Kiwanuka
19 November 2008
Kampala — HIV/AIDS is the greatest challenge the army faces, the President has said.
More UPDF soldiers have died from HIV/Aids than at the war front, Yoweri Museveni said.
Museveni made the comments while passing out 1,966 new UPDF recruits at Kaweweta military training school in Nakaseke on Tuesday.
Live responsibly so as to enjoy longer lives and serve the nation, the President advised the recruits.
"If you die or get sick from AIDS, you let us down."
The highlights of the day included an air display by the UPDF helicopter gunships and fighter planes, firing range, crossing obstacles and a 51-guard parade by the graduands.
Simon Peter Okiror was the best student, Mayanja Muhammad topped in field activities, while Nancy Adoch emerged the best woman performer.
Museveni said the field events were good but pointed out inadequate coordination at the parade. "You saw how these people were lowering their guns at different times."
Although the UPDF had recruited educated soldiers, he said, some field commanders were misusing them. "A soldier who is supposed to eat a kilo (of maize flour) is given half a kilo because the commander wants to save something," Museveni said. "The commanders must learn how to use the soldiers well in the field."
Recounting the NRA bush war which brought the NRM to power in 1986, Museveni said Kaweweta served as decisive battle ground.
He said he was happy that the former battle ground, which was also used as training ground for the anti-apartheid ANC forces in the 1980s, had evolved into a "centre for creating more fighters for Uganda".
The chief of defence forces, Lt. General Aronda Nyakairima, said the army was committed to giving "total" training to soldiers.
The Government is constructing the Oliver Tambo leadership Institute, a primary school and a hospital.
In attendance were the state minister for defence, Ruth Nankabirwa and Lt. General Katumba Wamala.
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