Photo By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse | Members of the Ugandan Peoples' Defense Force, students undergoing a Combined Joint...... read more read more
Subscribe
ENTTEBBE, Uganda -- One hundred and fifty members of the Uganda Peoples' Defense Force completed a Combined Joint Task Force — Horn of Africa Ugandan Counter Terrorism Course in Kasenyi, Dec. 9.
The Ugandan students held a demonstration of what they learned for distinguished visitors, family and friends. The students provided a perimeter defense, cleared buildings within a constructed village, cleared streets of protestors and transported a VIP to safety.
After the demonstration, all graduates of the Ugandan Counter Terrorism Course, Class 03-09 formed up into their platoons while the Ugandan and U.S. national anthems played.
During the ceremony, a moment of silence was observed for UPDF Pvt. Julius Ndyanabo, one of the course students, who died, Dec. 7. Ndyanabo died of malaria, according to U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Enrique Morales, CJTF-HOA.
Following the introduction of the official party, the guests of honor, U.S. Navy Capt. Kevin Bertelsen, CJTF-HOA Exercise, Training and Resources deputy director, Brig. Gen. Sylva Kayemba, Chief of Training, and Lt. Gen. Edward Katumba, commander of land forces, shared a few comments about the student's dedication and their hopes for the future of Uganda.
"Congratulations to each and every one of you for your hard work, your dedication and the focus on the defense of your nation," said Bertelsen in a speech during the graduation. "Today, we also celebrate the continuing partnership between Combined Joint Task Force — Horn of Africa and the Ugandan Peoples' Defense Force. We are committed to fostering stability and security for people and their militaries that support the rule of law and respect of human rights."
The UPDF soldiers began the course, July 30, under the tutelage of 21 Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1-65th Infantry Battalion. The students completed 18 weeks of intensive training covering many aspects of military operations, such as first aid, convoy operations, human rights and counter terrorism.
"The course work has been intensive and challenging and has asked each of you to look inside yourselves to find the focus and commitment needed to make yourself better at your profession, more capable to mentor those you will lead and provide your military with more capacity for peace, stability and security," said Bertelsen.
Katumba spoke briefly about how the UCTC graduates are better prepared for new challenges they may face.
"Our people have greatly improved because of the training they have received," said Katumba.
After the graduation ceremony, members of CJTF-HOA and the UPDF danced and sang in the rain to celebrate the successful completion of 18 weeks of intensive counter terrorism training.
| Date Taken: | 12.11.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 12.11.2009 09:59 |
| Story ID: | 42605 |
| Location: | ENTTEBBE, UG |
| Web Views: | 438 |
| Downloads: | 360 |
This work, Ugandan Peoples' Defense Force Soldiers Complete U.S. Course, by SSgt Ronald Lafosse, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
