NAKASONGOLA: The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Air Force has passed out officers and airmen who completed training in various aviation disciplines, including aircraft piloting, hybrid aviation security, Raven operations and ground-based air defence.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Uganda Air Force College in Nakasongola and officiated by the Commander Air Forces (CAF), Lieutenant General Charles Okidi, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Lt Gen Okidi appreciated the President and Commander-in-Chief for his strategic guidance, vision and continued support towards capacity building at UPDF centres of excellence, including the Uganda Air Force College.
He reminded the graduates of their constitutional mandate to defend Uganda’s airspace, provide air support to land forces and participate in operations other than war.
“Fulfilling these responsibilities requires collective effort, teamwork and loyalty to the UPDF,” Lt Gen Okidi said.
The Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Major General Wycliffe Keita, emphasised the importance of aligning military training and doctrine with contemporary security threats and operational requirements.
“We do not train merely to graduate students or award certificates, but rather to generate capabilities, improve readiness and ensure that the UPDF can accomplish its mission whenever called upon,” Maj Gen Keita said.
He noted that air power relies heavily on knowledge, technology and sound decision-making, urging the graduates to apply the skills acquired during training to enhance operational effectiveness.
The Commandant of Uganda Air Force College, Brigadier General Allan Kalanzi, acknowledged the support from the Air Force leadership, Joint Staff and Chief of Defence Forces in providing training resources and infrastructure.
He said the support had enabled the college to train and graduate personnel across various aviation disciplines.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Commander of the Air Force, Maj Gen David Isimbwa; Commander Artillery Division, Maj Gen Daniel Kakono; Chief of Staff Air Force, Brig Gen James Itungo; Chief of Staff Reserve Forces, Brig Gen Mwanjje Ssekiranda; Commander Ground-Based Air Defence, Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe; directors; commandants of military colleges, academies and schools; and other senior and junior officers.
