Entebbe: President Museveni has implored marine Army officers to step up more security cross border lakes to stop terrorists and criminals from accessing the country.
Museveni’s submission follows a series of murders that were allegedly executed by terrorists travelling on numberless motorcycles.
Speaking at the commissioning of new Uganda Peoples Defence forces (UPDF) Marine boats, Museveni said there to reinforce the capacity of the Marines by installing surface radars that can scan the lake to locate every boat on the water.
“Just like motorcycles and vehicles that had to have electronic number plates, it is necessary for the Marine boats to electronically be marked to curb crime on the waters,” he said at Port Alice Pier Military Base in Entebbe
They exhibited proficient combat tactics and water survival skills in swimming, diving and endurance in water defense demonstration.
He advised the Army leaders to partner with Impala Services to manufacture or assemble boats in Uganda instead of importing them, “Importation is costly to the country,”
Marine boats will also be used to cartel illegal fishing on Lake Victoria.
During the ceremony, he promoted cadets Onzima Samuel, Mukundane Baker, Tibakula Eliaza, Ntegeka Julius and Mirembe Betty to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
In his remarks Chief of the Defense Forces, Gen. David Muhoozi, lauded President for intervention in security and fishing industry.
He revealed that the Marines corps have plans of increasing their fleets with more vessels and strengthening the Marines’ capabilities.