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, Jinja City.
The soldiers were trained under the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (S/NCO) Course and the Instructors Course Level III.
Presiding over the graduation ceremony, Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, UPDF Joint Staff for Training and Doctrine, 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. Brig Gen Keita 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 CAR graduates to utilise their newly acquired skills to serve their country and to represent the UPDF with honour.
Brig Gen Michael Ssozi Ssesanga, Commandant of the NCO Academy, provided a breakdown of the graduating cohort. He 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. “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. Cpl Niwagaba Gideon was named best student in the S/NCO course, Pte Were Docus emerged top of the Instructors Course, while Sgt Boka Lawade Silver from CAR was awarded best allied student.
The event was attended by several senior officers, including Brig Gen Chris Ogwal, Commandant of the Junior Staff College; Col Katongole, Commandant of the School of Supplies and Transport; and Col Adenan Kaale, Chief Instructor of the Junior Staff College, along with other officers from Gaddafi Barracks.
