UPDF Closes Women Outreach And Drone Training At UN Base Entebbe

The Director of Women Affairs in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Brig Gen Charity Bainababo, has officially closed the Women’s Outreach Course (16th Edition) and the Micro Unmanned Aircraft Systems (M-UAS) Training, comprising the 11th Edition of the Remote Pilot Course and the 9th Edition Training of Trainers Course, at the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda.

The programme was developed in response to UN Security Council Resolution 2122 (2013).

The Women’s Outreach Course provides specialised training for women who serve as military or police information and communication technology specialists.

It prepares military staff officers for deployment in UN missions.

The courses, which ran from 11 May to 22 May 2026, brought together participants from different member states with the aim of strengthening peacekeeping operations, promoting women’s empowerment, and enhancing operational skills in modern technology.

Officiating at the closing ceremony, Brig Gen Bainababo said the event was not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to reaffirm Uganda’s commitment to international peacekeeping efforts through collaboration with global partners.

She noted that Uganda remained committed to creating an enabling environment that supported high-quality training aimed at promoting operational readiness in peacekeeping missions.

“The successful completion of this course is a commendable achievement. The Women’s Outreach Course continues to serve as an important platform for empowering women with the confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills required to contribute effectively to modern peace operations,” Brig Gen Bainababo said.

Quoting, “Carry your candle, run to the darkness, seek out the helpless, confused and torn, and hold out your candle for all to see,” she further emphasised that the Micro Unmanned Aircraft System training reflected the growing importance of technology in enhancing mission effectiveness, situational awareness, and the safety of personnel in the field.

“As the host nation, Uganda takes pride in supporting initiatives of this nature, which contribute directly to regional and international peacekeeping capacity. Our continued participation in such programmes reflects our firm belief that well-trained and inclusive peacekeeping personnel are essential for the successful implementation of United Nations mandates across diverse mission environments,” she added.

Brig Gen Bainababo also extended appreciation to the United Nations, the Regional Service Centre Entebbe, the UNCAP team, the Government of France, supervisors, instructors, and all supporting staff for their technical support, dedication and professionalism in making the training a success.

“Your achievements today are a milestone not only for your careers but for gender equality and operational effectiveness in peacekeeping missions,” Brig Gen Bainababo told the graduates.

Director of the UN Regional Service Centre Entebbe, Paulin Djomo, thanked the participating member states and commended the trainees for their dedication and hard work throughout the courses.

“We have witnessed dedicated women officers from across the globe unite to enhance skills in communication and information sharing. This is not just about training; it is about strengthening connections and paving the way for future hope in peacekeeping,” he said.

Djomo stressed that the initiative went beyond empowering women and instead contributed to transforming the landscape of peacekeeping globally. “This is not about empowering women; it is about reshaping the landscape of peacekeeping,” he noted. He encouraged the graduates to use the skills, confidence, and capabilities acquired during the training to positively impact their respective countries and missions.

Speaking at the event, France’s Assistant Defence Attaché Jean Folio thanked member states for participating in the training programmes and reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting peacekeeping initiatives.

The Women’s Outreach Course attracted 22 female participants, including two police officers from Uganda and representatives from countries such as Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, France, Gambia, Germany, Indonesia and Zimbabwe, among others.

Meanwhile, the M-UAS Remote Pilot Training and Instructors Course had 12 participants, including two UPDF soldiers.

The programme calls on countries contributing troops and police to UN peacekeeping missions to increase the representation of women and address gender imbalance.

The diversity involved in the programme strengthens interoperability and fosters a shared understanding across missions.