The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out soldiers who completed a three-month Tactical Radio Operators Course conducted at the Headquarter Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ URDC) in Jinja.
Speaking at the pass-out, the Commander of HQ URDC, Brigadier General Ernest Nuwagaba, described the course as a critical component of the force’s capacity-building efforts and a key contributor to operational effectiveness.
“This training is vital in strengthening the capabilities of HQ URDC and the UPDF at large. It supports the strategic intent of the leadership by producing competent communicators capable of addressing contemporary challenges in today’s operational environment,” Brig Gen Nuwagaba said.
Brig Gen Nuwagaba urged the officers to apply the knowledge acquired during the course with discipline and professionalism.
“You have been trained, and the UPDF expects much from you. Build on the knowledge you have gained and continue to serve with discipline, integrity and accountability both to yourselves and the institution,” he said.
Representing the Joint Staff Communications and Information Technology (JSCIT), the Commandant of the School of ICT Lugazi, Lt Col Bernad Tony Okol, commended HQ URDC for its continued investment in training communications personnel, noting that the initiative had significantly enhanced the department’s operational capabilities.
He emphasised the growing importance of skilled communicators in an era of rapidly evolving technology.
“The contemporary world is characterized by dynamic and constantly evolving technologies. Modern operations require communicators who are proficient and capable of responding effectively to critical and time-sensitive situations,” Lt Col Okol said.
The Head of Communications at HQ URDC, Maj Christian Kennedy Agaba, who supervised the course, said the programme was the fifth intake of its kind and was fully sponsored by HQ URDC.
He said that the course was designed to equip personnel with modern and advanced communication skills necessary for contemporary military operations.
The ceremony was attended by the Head of the Civilian Component at HQ URDC, Ms Allen Ruhangataremwa, as well as senior and junior officers from HQ URDC and Jinja Cantonment Headquarters, among other guests.
