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 during the passing-out ceremony, the Joint Staff Policy and Strategy, Maj Gen Don Nabaasa, commended the officers for their commitment, sacrifice and intellectual effort.

Maj Gen Nabaasa encouraged the officers to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training in their professional duties. “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.

Representing the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Brig Gen Nicholas Humble Nyesiga congratulated the officers upon completing the two intensive courses.

He also commended the Commandant and staff of SODIS for successfully conducting the training.

Brig Gen Nyesiga further commended the Commander-in-Chief for his vision of developing the UPDF into a capable force able to contribute to security across Africa.

He also praised 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 Joint Staff Training and Doctrines (TRADOC), Col Michael Katongole Sempijja said the training was conducted in line with the guidance of the Commander-in-Chief.

He noted that the Commander-in-Chief has consistently emphasised the importance of proper training, ideological clarity, discipline, patriotism and mastery of modern warfare in strengthening the effectiveness of a military force.

The Commandant of SODIS, Col Ezra Kokundakwe, said the training had achieved its intended purpose, citing the competence demonstrated by the officers throughout the courses.

He commended the participating security agencies for providing subject matter experts and hosting the officers during their study tours.

Col Kokundakwe also thanked the UPDF leadership for its support towards the training programme.

He further appreciated the UPDF leadership for commissioning a new mess at SODIS, saying the facility 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.

Senior Uganda Police Force Crime Intelligence officers, Uganda Prisons Service officers, immigration officials, expatriate instructors for language courses at SODIS, as well as other senior and junior officers, also attended the ceremony.