The Deputy Spokesperson of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces Colonel Deo Akiiki is ready to command the 2024 Independence Day Parade.
This is happening as the Country anxiously looks forward to celebrating 62 years of self-rule since 1962.
Akiiki who we found at Bisikho Primary Teachers College in Busia District undertaking rehearsals says commanding Parade has always been one of his dreams which is coming to pass.
“It is an honour for me to command a national parade and a parade to celebrate the biggest National Day. Independence Day on the national calendar is the biggest day others follow”, says Akiiki.
Akiiki who reveals it is his first time to command Parade recounts missing a similar opportunity 22 years ago as a newly trained Cadet Officer.
“I attempted to be a commander of our pass out parade as a cadet in 2002, but our intake consisted of some cadets who were soldiers before and they were already experts. I missed the chance”, recounts Akiiki.
Soldiers on Parade rehearsal at Busikho Primary Teachers’ College in Busia District
And the opportunity is here, finally. But what does it take to successfully command such a national parade?
This is one of the questions we sought answers to as Deo Akiiki took a brief break from the first segment of rehearsals on Saturday morning.
He says it takes passion, enthusiasm and commitment for one to successfully command such a parade.
“I personally like parade. Whenever it is time for parade if I’m at home, I keep my eyes on the screen until it is over. I follow each and every drill. Secondly is fitness. You must be physically fit, no lots of alcohol in your blood or medical complications”, contends Akiiki.
However, that is not all. Without discipline, Akiiki says no parade commander can make headway especially that some of the Parade instructors and experts are junior army officers.
“Parade drills are the epitome of discipline, otherwise you will fail to follow the instructions moreover given to you by instructors who are your junior but they are the subject matter experts”, notes Akiiki.
Col Deo Akiiki marches to the Parade Grounds to take over the Command from the Second in Charge
All this is happening at a time, the parade is changing with new drills and lots of innovations.
Akiiki says the armed forces have moved away from the colonial SAR guns, to the usual improved AK 47 with no more goose march beyond one’s head.
He feels special to be pioneering the commanding of the new parade formation.
“I can only say, I’m privileged to be the one to introduce the new parade to Uganda and the world”.
All he expresses is gratitude to the Army leadership for chosing him to do this amongst what he describes as a sea of many senior officers.
“I’m doing it with a lot of professionalism and pride to my country”, concludes the Officer.
The National Independence Day celebrations will be held at Busikho Primary Teachers College in Masafu Town Council, Busia District with President Yoweri Museveni expected to grace the occasion.
This will be under theme: A recommitment to secure and fortify our destiny.
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