The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (Counter-IED) technicians and combat engineers from Intake 4/2026 at the School of Combat Engineering, Kalama.
Presiding over the pass-out ceremony, the Commander of the 14 Combat Engineering Brigade, Brigadier General Richard Wakayinja, said the nature of modern warfare has shifted from conventional engagements to asymmetric conflicts, with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) emerging as a major threat on the battlefield.
“The war theatre is now littered with IEDs. It is no longer conventional but asymmetrical,” Brig Gen Wakayinja said.
He commended the graduates for their resilience and commitment throughout the physically and mentally demanding training.
Brig Gen Wakayinja urged the graduates to uphold teamwork, leadership, patriotism and integrity, reminding them that their pass-out marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to military service.
“To the trainees standing before us today, your journey does not end here. Let discipline guide your actions, and let your service to your country be reflected in your commitment and conduct,” he said.
The Commandant of the Mechanised Warfare College, Brig Gen Peter Candia, said combat engineers remain indispensable to military operations because of their role in opening routes, enhancing troop survivability and creating operational options for commanders.
“Like you have shown us and like I have just said, you will be the first in the battle to open the way and will be the last to leave, in addition to ensuring the survivability of the troops and the task forces,” Brig Gen Candia said.
He urged them to prioritise their safety and wellbeing, saying their survival is essential to their continued service to the country.
“The contemporary battlefield is mainly fought now by you. Through you, task forces will survive. Through you, task forces will delay, fix and destroy our enemies. You keep safe. UPDF and Uganda need your life,” he said.
The Acting Chief Instructor at the School of Combat Engineering, Lieutenant Colonel Jackson Akena, congratulated the graduates and reminded them that precision and safety are more important than speed in explosive ordnance disposal operations.
“I always tell you this; remember speed is not important, but accuracy and safety are,” Lt Col Akena said.
The graduates underwent training in explosive theory, demolitions, Counter-IED operations, tactical combat casualty care, military law, GPS navigation and practical field exercises, among other areas.
The pass-out ceremony was attended by senior and junior UPDF officers.
