UPDF Troops Boost Intelligence Capabilities In Somalia To Tackle Emerging Threats

Fifteen personnel from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under United Nations Guard Unit Eleven (UNGU XI) have completed an intensive five-day course in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) at the Joint Military Training Centre in Mogadishu.

The training, facilitated by the United Nations Support Office, aimed to strengthen the unit’s ability to gather, analyse, and apply intelligence more effectively in support of ongoing peacekeeping operations.

Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the Commanding Officer, Major Jacob Gowan Kaburika, Deputy Commander of UNGU XI, praised the commitment of the participants and acknowledged the UN’s support.

“As you move forward, you will play a vital role in shaping UNGU’s operations and strategic decisions,” he said. “Your expertise will help us stay ahead of emerging threats, monitor enemy movements, and protect our mandate and personnel.”

Captain Joseph Maada Edube, the Military Information Officer, also applauded the trainees’ performance and urged them to stay vigilant. “Terrorist threats, cyber challenges, and shifting security dynamics demand a proactive and adaptive approach,” he said. “To remain effective, you must embrace technology, build partnerships, and keep learning.”

He noted that intelligence is more than data collection; it’s about turning information into actionable insights that directly support the mission’s objectives.

Private Chekwemboi Viola, one of the trainees, described the course as a valuable experience. “I’ve acquired knowledge that will help me contribute more meaningfully to the mission’s success through improved intelligence practices,” she said.

The successful completion of the ISR training underscores UPDF’s commitment to professional development and international peacekeeping. It also highlights the importance of global cooperation in enhancing operational readiness and promoting long-term stability in Somalia.