Brigadier Michael Kabango Addresses Troops
The endeavor of serving on foreign soil is filled with unmatched challenges and vivid experiences. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recently witnessed the return of two resilient units, Battle Group (BG) 40 and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) X, after a year-long deployment in Somalia. With their duties overseas concluded, they now face the task of reintegration into regular duty back home. This crucial transition was marked by a post-mission ideological training program, symbolically wrapping up at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-CT) in Singo.
The atmosphere at the training center on the day of the ceremony was electric—there was a feeling of accomplishment mingled with anticipatory excitement. Brigadier General Michael Kabango, acting on behalf of Major General Francis Takirwa, acknowledged the sacrifices and resilience demonstrated by these men and women during their deployment. “This isn’t merely a ceremonial conclusion,” he stated with emotion-laden gravitas. “It is an acknowledgment of warriors who’ve gracefully borne our emblem and an invitation for them to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate before new challenges arise.”
Reflecting on their experiences, it’s impossible not to question: What does one bring back from such an arduous mission besides tangible achievements? Perhaps lessons in strength, unforeseen camaraderie, and invaluable insights about life and loyalty? These are silent victories, deeply embedded in every soldier’s journey.
Brig Gen Kabango took time to instill in the troops the values of discipline, patriotism, and fiscal caution, preparing them mentally and emotionally for their eventual re-deployment. It’s a reflection of the military’s endless cycle, mirroring life’s ebb and flow—much like a soldier I once conversed with, who described peacekeeping as “laying down roots of hope in the dry sand of conflict.” His words still echo the profound sense of purpose and duty that fuels these brave souls.
Brigadier General Patrick Otongo, the commandant of IPSO-CT, spoke proudly about the soldiers’ commitment and professionalism. He reminisced about their intensive pre-deployment training sessions, emphasizing, “Their prowess is a testament to the robust programs we instill. Our gratitude goes to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and to the unwavering leadership of the Land Forces for their tireless dedication in keeping our soldiers mission-ready.”
The commanders of the respective groups, Colonel Topher Magino (BG 40) and Lieutenant Colonel David Emmanuel Odongo (UNGU X), heartily commended their teams. These units sustained discipline and upheld their mission with commendable diligence. Magino and Odongo urged their men and women to bring the same determination into their ongoing roles within the regular army structure.
The closing ceremony was elegantly attended by senior commanders, various officers from both battlegroups, and leaders from local communities, underscoring the communal support and solidarity that surrounds military endeavors. As one community leader commented, “Our synergy provides strength and mutual hope, a collective embrace for those serving beyond our borders.”
The event marks a period of transition, reflecting not only on past achievements but also on impending possibilities. It invites a contemplation on the threads of courage that weave through the fabric of each soldier’s narrative. In celebrating their return, one can’t help but wonder what stories of growth, resolve, and maybe even moments of vulnerability they’ve brought back home.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
