The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out officers who completed the Advanced Intelligence Course and Advanced Special Investigations Course at the School of Defence Intelligence and Security (SODIS) in Nakasongola District.
The joint training brought together officers from the UPDF, Uganda Police Force and other security agencies, including the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Joint Staff Policy and Strategy, Maj Gen Don Nabaasa, commended the officers for their commitment, sacrifice and intellectual effort, encouraging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training
“The knowledge and skills acquired will provide you with the professional competence required to effectively perform your duties with confidence and sound judgement,” Maj Gen Nabaasa said.
On behalf of the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Brig Gen Nicholas Humble Nyesiga congratulated the officers on completing the two intensive courses and commended the Commandant and staff of SODIS for successfully conducting the training.
He further commended the Commander-in-Chief for his vision of developing the UPDF into a capable force able to contribute to security across Africa, as well as the Chief of Defence Forces for continuously guiding the force towards becoming versatile, agile and well-grounded in protecting Uganda and its allies.
“What we have seen in this exercise, you have really fulfilled the guidance of the CDF,” he said.
Representing the Joint Staff Training and Doctrines (TRADOC), Col Michael Katongole Sempijja said the training was in line with the guidance of the Commander-in-Chief, who has consistently emphasised that the strength and effectiveness of a military force depend on proper training, ideological clarity, discipline, patriotism and mastery of modern warfare.
The Commandant of SODIS, Col Ezra Kokundakwe, said the training had achieved its intended purpose, as demonstrated by the competence exhibited by the officers throughout the courses.
He commended the security agencies that provided subject matter experts and hosted the officers during their study tours, as well as the UPDF leadership for the support extended to the training programme.
Col Kokundakwe further appreciated the UPDF leadership for commissioning a new mess at SODIS, which he said will improve the welfare and working environment of personnel.
The ceremony was attended by senior officers, including Brig Gen EA Uwama, Director Human Resource Land Forces; Col Elvis Biryomunda, Assistant Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security in charge of Counter Intelligence; Lt Col Amos Ategeka; and Brig Gen FK Mwesigye of the First Infantry Division.
Also in attendance were senior Uganda Police Force Crime Intelligence officers, Uganda Prisons Service officers, immigration officials, expatriate instructors for language courses at SODIS, and other senior and junior officers.
