Kampala. The Deputy Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for being “a true professional and disciplined Army” that has built and sustained peace and stability both in Uganda and beyond.
While officiating at Tarehe Sita thanksgiving breakfast at the Defence ministry offices in Mbuya on Saturday, Justice Owiny-Dollo commended UPDF for exhibiting the spirit of pan-Africanism.
He said because of the work from the forces, the country has attained peace, adding that UPDF is powerful because they forever seek the kingdom of God before any endeavors.
“As a non-partisan, professional people’s army; you have been collectively submitted to the civilian authority. We are very proud of you,” Justice Owiny-Dollo told the defence fraternity.
Justice Dollo’s commendation of the soldiers comes after the retired Maj Gen Matayo Kyaligonza was caught last week publicly harassing a female traffic officer in Seeta, Mukono District.
His action drew condemnations from the public, with the Parliament moving a motion to recall him from being Uganda’s ambassador to Burundi and to be demoted.
“By the will of God, UPDF will continue embracing the democratic process in Uganda, allow exchange of views as well as continue building commanders who know the power of the civilian authority,” said Justice Owiny-Dollo.
He urged the commanders and troops to restrain from hostility and self-identity but rather tolerate nationalistic ideas for the country to be different from past regimes.
The guest speaker, Rev Fr Paulino Twesigye Mondo, commended the forces for working for peace in the country and on the African continent.
“If you love peace, then God invites you in Uganda,” he said, adding that as ambassadors of peace, UPDF has ushered in the fundamental change evidenced by the rapid infrastructural development, rule of law, development in ICT, improved health, among others.
He observed that UPDF has been able to liberate others because it is an ambassador of peace that applies professional and practical skills in order to transform societies.
“Existence of peace promotes wealth creation, enhances creativity brings satisfaction and development, preserves good health, among others,” Fr Mondo said.
Maintain discipline
The Minister of State for Defence-in-Charge of Veteran Affairs, Lt Col (Rtd) Dr Bright Rwamirama, cautioned the troops to maintain discipline saying that the purpose of their work is to create a better country for all Ugandans. “UPDF primarily exists to serve others,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi, saluted UPDF spouses for tirelessly working in unison with the troops to create peace and stability in Uganda and beyond.
The Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, prayed for forgiveness and mercy during all UPDF missions and requested the good Lord to continue extending the hand of wisdom to all commanders in the security forces.
By Daily Monitor
