The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has boosted its battlefield communication capabilities after graduating a specialized cohort of combat communicators in Jinja.
The soldiers successfully completed an intensive, three-month Tactical Radio Operators Course. The advanced training took place at the Headquarters of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ URDC) located in Jinja.
The Commander of HQ URDC, Brigadier General Ernest Nuwagaba, presided over the official pass-out ceremony. He described the specialized training as a critical breakthrough for modern military operations.
“This training is vital in strengthening the capabilities of HQ URDC and the UPDF at large. It supports the strategic intent of the leadership by producing competent communicators capable of addressing contemporary challenges in today’s operational environment,” Brigadier General Nuwagaba said.
The commander strongly urged the graduates to maintain strict military ethics when deploying their new technical skills in the field.
“You have been trained, and the UPDF expects much from you. Build on the knowledge you have gained and continue to serve with discipline, integrity and accountability both to yourselves and the institution,” Brigadier General Nuwagaba commanded.
The technical training directly addresses the rapid global shift toward digital warfare and electronic communication systems.
The Commandant of the School of ICT Lugazi, Lieutenant Colonel Bernad Tony Okol, represented the Joint Staff Communications and Information Technology (JSCIT) at the event. He highly praised the regional command for consistently investing in high-tech communications personnel.
“The contemporary world is characterized by dynamic and constantly evolving technologies. Modern operations require communicators who are proficient and capable of responding effectively to critical and time-sensitive situations,” Lieutenant Colonel Okol explained.
The Head of Communications at HQ URDC, Major Christian Kennedy Agaba, directly supervised the intensive three-month program. He revealed that this successful session marks the fifth intake of the specialized communication course. Major Agaba also confirmed that HQ URDC fully funded the entire training initiative.
The high-profile graduation ceremony attracted several prominent dignitaries. The Head of the Civilian Component at HQ URDC, Allen Ruhangataremwa, attended the pass-out alongside senior and junior officers drawn from the Jinja Cantonment Headquarters.
