A total of 527 soldiers, including 78 from the Central African Republic (CAR), have completed a five-month intensive training at the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) in Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja City.
The soldiers were trained under the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (S/NCO) Course and the Instructors Course Level III.
While presiding over the graduation ceremony, the UPDF Joint Staff for Training and Doctrine, Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance throughout the course.
He emphasised the value of discipline, hard work, and resilience, qualities he said must now be carried forward into their respective units.
“Training is a commitment. It requires discipline, hard work, and resilience. You’ve demonstrated all of these qualities. Now, go and reflect them in your units to achieve excellence, because your actions influence others,” Brig Gen Keita said.
He encouraged the graduates to take up leadership responsibilities and affirmed their critical role as the backbone of the military and also highlighted Uganda’s strategic defence relationship with the Central African Republic, noting the UPDF’s past contributions to regional peace and security, particularly in combating the Lord’s Resistance Army.
“This joint training with CAR is a continuation of our collaboration that strengthens peace and security in the region while advancing the Pan-African spirit,” He said.
He further urged the Central Afrcan Republic graduates to utilise their newly acquired skills to serve their country and to represent the UPDF with honour.
The Commandant of the NCO Academy, Brig Gen Micheal Ssozi Ssesanga provided a breakdown of the graduating cohort and noted that 378 soldiers completed the S/NCO course, including the 78 from CAR, while 179 completed the Instructors Course Level III.
“These are foundational leadership courses for junior cadres who form the backbone of the army,” said Brig Gen Ssesanga and added, “Leadership is a sacrifice, and the UPDF is counting on you to lead and train your peers effectively.”
Three outstanding graduates were recognised for their exceptional performance and these were Corpal Niwagaba Gideon who was named best student in the S/NCO course, Pte Were Dorcus emerged top of the Instructors Course, while Sgt Boka Lawade Silver from Central African Republic was awarded best allied student.
The event was attended by several senior officers who included Commandant of the Junior Staff College Brig Gen Chris Ogwal, Commandant of the School of Supplies and Transport Col Katongole and Col Adenan Kaale, Chief Instructor of the Junior Staff College along with other officers from Gaddafi Barracks.
