UPDF Trains Public Information Officers To Combat Misinformation And Enhance Professionalism

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has concluded a five-day Strategic Communication and Defence Engagement training in Jinja, aimed at strengthening the capacity of Public Information Officers across the security sector.

The training brought together officers from the UPDF, Uganda Police, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA), and other security agencies.

Closing the course, Brigadier General Earnest Nuwagaba, Commander Headquarters Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC), urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their day-to-day responsibilities.

“Operating within the legal framework is paramount while carrying out your duties. This training has unveiled the realities of your responsibilities, including the ongoing challenges posed by misinformation, which you encounter regularly,” Brig Gen Nuwagaba said.

He applauded the facilitators from MoDVA and partner institutions for their expertise and thanked the UPDF leadership for their commitment to developing the capacity of security information and communication officers.

Colonel Allan Kitanda, Head of Strategic Communication and Defence Engagement in the UPDF, also commended the leadership for supporting the program. He appreciated Brig Gen Nuwagaba for facilitating the course, noting that it had been critical in achieving its objectives.

Col Kitanda stressed the importance of the training in preparing officers for their constitutional duties and encouraged them to remain proactive as they resume their assignments.

The training is part of the UPDF’s continued effort to promote professionalism and enhance communication within Uganda’s security institutions