Over 40 fail Military Police course in Masindi

Over 40 soldiers have failed level three Military Police training at Masindi Military Police Training School in Masindi district.

The officers, who are among the over 450 soldiers who have been undergoing a four-month level three military Police course,  have not been able to get the certificates of completion after they failed to perform to the expected standards.

During the passing out of 458 military Police officers on Thursday, August 15, 2024, school commandant Col. Amon Kagina said 499 officers turned up for the training but seven went absent without official leave, three were transferred to other UPDF positions and 31 were exempted from course on medical grounds.

Graduands demonstrate how to use a knife in defence.

Of the 458 who were passed out, 47 never performed as expected and as a result, they would only receive certificates of attendance.

"They're supposed to come back for a retake," Kagina said.

The graduands underwent the course with different modules including public order management, military Police duties in general, martial arts, VIP protection, military drills, leadership, communication, basic intelligence, counter-insurgency and internal security, prisoners handling and skills at arms.

According to Kagina, the training was to impart knowledge and skills to the trainees, adding that they want to produce a capable force, which is actively and efficiently performing the roles of military Police from UPDF in general.

Work with the media

"Work as a team and understand how to work with the media as a leader or subordinate while conducting operations. Media can make you do something when you do not intend to do it. Know that they can report negatively. Any failure or error shall be under the camera. Be professional and disciplined. Always provide appropriate solutions," Kagina said.

Deputy commandant Col. Napoleon Namanya cautioned the graduands to productively use the knowledge attained.

"Ensure that the knowledge gained is properly applied to give you success. I encourage you to maintain discipline, loyalty and teamwork work," he said.

Change your mindset

Officiating as a chief guest, Brigadier Gen. Joseph Ssemwanga Musoke from Division One infantry, who represented Commander in Chief (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, expressed his disappointment with the 47 officers who failed to perform to the expected standard, adding that they should focus on changing their mindset if they are to succeed.

"The whole issue is mindset. You need to be positive about everything if you're to perform well," he advised.

He further warned the graduands against insubordination saying that they should maintain discipline by undertaking orders at anytime.

"Military discipline is so important. Ensure that you perform well as you deal with people. We need you healthy, we have many illnesses within us and yet most of the diseases can be avoided. Desist from contracting diseases which are preventable," he said.