A group of 205 police counter terrorism special force commandos were on Friday afternoon passed out at the UPDF Nakasongola Cantonment in Nakasongola district.
The 4 months refresher training course saw the counter terrorism police officers acquire skills in snipping, shooting, sniffer dogs among others as part of the airborne and street fighting techniques of fighting and rescuing hostages held by terrorists.
Speaking at the function, the Internal Affairs Minister, Gen. Jeje Odongo said terrorism is major threat to society that might not easily be realized but has to be prepared for by the country at all stages.
“We can afford to put aside other things but not training of our forces in a bid to help fight terrorism. We shall continue training because it is the life of any force,” Gen. Odongo said.
Scientists were also part of the team passed out on Friday.
He stressed the state should at all times be ready to perform its responsibilities of protecting its citizens.
The police Director in charge of Human Resource and Training, AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi said the training is part of the force’s efforts to respond to global crime challenges that pose a threat to humanity.
“These special forces of the police are highly trained personnel with various aspects of security needs. These officers should send out a statement to whoever plans to attack the country that we are ready for them,” AIGP Kaweesi said.
Counter terrorism officers displaying their skills.
He stressed that such training is part of the efforts of the police force’s efforts to ensure professionalism adding that CIID and the forensics experts need similar training in a bid to combat crimes.
“All the criticisms and challenges we face can be overcome through continued training of our officers,” he added.
Practicing shooting skills
According to John Ndungutse, the police Director in charge of Counter- terrorism, the force cannot let any incident similar to the one that happened in 2010 where Al Shabaab terrorists killed over 70 people who were watching World Cup finals.
Paratroopers showing skills
“We are ready to defend the country from any possible attack but there is need for more specialized training and equipment.”
The training conducted by police, UPDF and Israel trainers saw 205 out of the 400 participants complete the 4 month course.
Some of the members of the elite force