Brigadier General Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, Deputy Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), has highlighted the critical role of adaptability and military planning in safeguarding high-profile individuals during combat or operations.
Speaking at the Very Very Important Persons Training School (VVIPTS) in Sera Kasenyi, Brig Gen. Nyakikuru underscored the importance of swift responses during unpredictable combat situations.
“Adaptability is how you react when one enemy bullet is fired—how do you adjust to the situation? It is crucial for our VVIP operatives to adapt rapidly in such scenarios,” Brig Gen. Nyakikuru remarked while presiding over the pass-out ceremony of officers who completed the VVIP Commander’s Planning Course.
The Deputy Commander commended the graduates, congratulating them for successfully completing the training, which now elevates them to the specialized role of VVIP protection.
“You are serving as soldiers protecting the President, but this course has propelled you to a new level in protecting the VVIPs,” he said. “I was impressed with your performance, particularly your shooting abilities, having achieved such a high level of competence in just ten weeks.”
He also expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), whose leadership has enabled the growth of the army into a formidable force.
Brig Gen. Nyakikuru emphasized the officers’ readiness to serve the nation, calling them a “force multiplier” at a time when educated and well-trained commanders are most needed.
“You have come at a crucial time. With your education and ability to understand complex situations, I have no doubt you will excel in your duties,” Brig Gen. Nyakikuru said.
He also praised the training team led by Maj. Samson Mucunguzi, the commandant of VVIPTS, for successfully preparing the officers.
“You have trained these officers exceptionally well in just ten weeks, and their performance in both the range and the briefing room is commendable.”
The Commander of the 1st Special Forces Group (1SFG), Colonel John Bosco Asinguza, also congratulated the officers on this achievement, emphasizing the significance of their role in safeguarding the President, his guests, and Uganda at large.
“This milestone reflects your commitment to excellence and underscores the vital role you play in ensuring the safety of our Commander-in-Chief, the President of the Republic of Uganda, and the nation as a whole,” Col. Asinguza stated. He urged the officers to use their newly acquired skills to anticipate and mitigate potential threats.
Col. Asinguza further praised the SFC leadership for modernizing training programs that equip personnel to confront evolving security challenges.
Colonel Wilson Bagonza, Commander of the 3rd Special Forces Group, also thanked the UPDF leadership for initiating the course, urging the trainees to remain disciplined to avoid squandering their new expertise.
Commandant of the VVIPTS-SK, Maj. Samson Mucunguzi, revealed that 148 officers—comprising 20 female and 128 male officers—had undergone intensive training for the past 10 weeks.
The course, aimed at enhancing advanced leadership, operational, and management skills, covered areas such as operational planning, leadership, counterterrorism, military law, and tactical combat.
Maj. Mucunguzi expressed his appreciation to the Director of Training and Doctrine, Lt. Col. Micki Lokut, for his unwavering support and guidance throughout the training program.
During the ceremony, outstanding students were recognized for their exceptional performance. Second Lieutenant Isaac Mango emerged as the best overall student, 2Lt. Onesmus Aruho excelled in class, Lt. Umaru Letaro stood out in leadership, and 2Lt. Paulina Nabonge was recognized as the best female officer.
The event was attended by senior and junior officers, including commanding officers and commandants.
