Aging Force Not Good For National Defence, CDF Mbadi Tells Officers And Militants

Aging Force Not Good For National Defence, CDF Mbadi Tells Officers And Militants. UPDF Officers and Militants have been reminded of the importance of retirement for the continuous protection of peace and security in uganda.

The UPDF Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Wilson Mbadi made the remarks during his mobilization tour of troops at Field Artillery Division Headquarters, in Masindi District.

“An old force is not good for National Defence and therefore retirement is necessary,” he emphasized, adding that doing national Defence requires an energetic force that is also flexible and agile; imploring serving troops to respect those who have been at the helm of defending this country, noting that it is their time to rest and create space for the younger troops to carry on with the mantle.

Gen Mbadi also reminded the troops about the duties and responsibilities of a professional UPDF officers which include; Protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, Engagement in productive activities for the development of the country, fostering harmony and understanding between civilians and troops, and Cooperation with civilian components in emergency situations to ensure that there is socio-economic transformation of the country.

He noted that the maintenance of a stable security environment has enabled the growth in infrastructure across the country, save for the isolated incidents of cattle theft most especially in Karamoja sub-region and a few cases of insecurity caused by the ADF terrorists to residents in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts.

He appreciated that the Joint security capabilities against ADF by both UPDF and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, (FARDC) has scaled down the ADF strength, adding that they now operate in small groups, prompting the change of tactics so as to deal with the splinter groups.

The CDF assured officers and militants that all their salaries shall be enhanced but in phases, noting that they have already enhanced salaries from senior officers to Generals. He explained that others will follow suit in the next financial year and he warned troops to desist from engaging in bad habits like over drinking, desertion and promiscuity among others.

Gen Mbadi implored the troops to utilize services provided by the UPDF leadership like the health care and education services, clean water, power and subsidised products at the Defence Forces Shops, spread out in different parts of the Forces’ deployment u order to improve their standards of living.

UPDF has a mark of peace and security in Central African Republic, DR Congo, Somalia and South Sudan; and this is in fulfillment of the Pan African agenda of UPDF. The CDF was accompanied at the meeting by the Commander of the UPDF Motorized Infantry Brig Gen Charles Byanyima, Commandant of the Nakasongola Air force Wing, Brig Gen Chris Kasaija and Officers from the Field Artillery Division Col Ouma among other General Officers and Senior Officers.