Uganda’s Elite Force SFC Graduates 321 VVIP Protection Officers

#IvanKaahwaReports

321 operators from the Special Forces Command (SFC) have graduated after completing a Tier II course of Intake 03 – 2023/24 at the Very Very Important Persons’ Training School (VVIPTS) in Sera Kasenyi, Entebbe. The Tier II course aims to equip new militants joining the SFC and elite special battalions with basic unit tactics and VIP protection concepts. Director of Training SFC Lt. Col. Phillip Mugizi says the soldiers have been tested during training in the basic understanding and application of the tactics, techniques, and procedures during the execution of combat drills and how to effectively utilize any emerging threats that may arise against Very Very Important Persons.

The 28-week course comprised both theoretical and practical lessons associated with VVIP protection and was designed to provide the trainees with a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities associated with VIP protection, equipping them with essential skills. The Commandant of VVIPTS Sera Kasenyi, Lt. Col. Frank Murema, said the course, which opened on the 27th of August, 2023, aimed to equip trainees with VVIP protection knowledge, skills at arms, political education, close quarters combat, communication, public health, and martial arts.

Col. John Bosco Asinguza, the commander of the 1st Special Forces Group, emphasized the importance of training and preparing troops amidst emerging threats on behalf of the SFC commander. He stated that the trainees have learned to anticipate risks, assess situations quickly, and respond with precision and effectiveness. Their ability to remain calm under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and make split-second decisions sets them apart as elite defenders. He encouraged continuous training to achieve tactical proficiency, fitness, discipline, and ideological motivation, adding that the willingness of soldiers to stand between danger and those they protect is a testament to their character and integrity. Asinguza urged the soldiers not to misuse their responsibility but rather to take an interest in the lives and well-being of those under their protection, carrying out their duty with the utmost care, professionalism, and integrity. “I have no doubt that each one of you will rise to the occasion, upholding the highest level of excellence as required by the Special Forces Command,” he stated.

Col. Wilson Bagonza, Commander of the 2nd Special Forces Group, tasked officers to avoid subversive acts that could destroy their lives and instead focus on promoting patriotism and excellence. He acknowledged that the operators’ skills displayed during the various demonstrations showed they understood what they were studying. He thanked the Commander SFC, Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, for his continuous guidance and mentoring, which has enabled them to take training even to unit levels.

The Director of Operations SFC, Col. Paul Namawa, congratulated all the officers on successfully completing the course and urged them to uphold the highest level of values and stay ahead of negative forces.

This was a joint pass-out ceremony by the leadership of SFC for trainees who underwent the Tier II training program, including 143 operators from SFC Fort Samora Marcel Training School (FSMTS) in Kaweweta and 178 from the VVIPTS Sera Kasenyi in Entebbe.