The Commander of Headquarters Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ URDC), Brig. Gen. Ernest Nuwagaba, has urged newly graduated soldiers who completed a three-month Tactical Radio Operators Course to uphold discipline, professionalism and accountability as they transition into enhanced operational roles within the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
Speaking at the pass-out ceremony held at HQ URDC in Jinja, Brig. Gen. Nuwagaba described the training as a critical component of the force’s capacity-building efforts and a key contributor to operational effectiveness within the UPDF.
“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,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Nuwagaba urged the graduates to apply the knowledge acquired during the course with discipline and professionalism, emphasising the expectations placed upon them by the institution.
“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,” he said.
Representing the Joint Staff Communications and Information Technology (JSCIT), the Commandant of the School of ICT Lugazi, Lt. Col. Bernady Okol, commended HQ URDC for its continued investment in training communications personnel, noting that the initiative had significantly strengthened the department’s operational capabilities.
He highlighted the growing importance of skilled communicators in an era defined by rapidly evolving technology and increasingly complex operational environments.
“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,” he said.
The Head of Communications at HQ URDC, Maj. Christian Kennedy Agaba, who supervised the course, said the programme was the fifth intake of its kind and had been fully sponsored by HQ URDC.
He explained that the course was designed to equip personnel with modern and advanced communication skills necessary for contemporary military operations.
According to Maj. Agaba, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance communications capabilities within the force and ensure personnel remain prepared to support operational requirements in diverse environments.
The ceremony was attended by the Head of the Civilian Component at HQ URDC, Allen Ruhangataremwa, as well as senior and junior officers from HQ URDC and Jinja Cantonment Headquarters, among other guests.
The graduation marks another milestone in the UPDF’s efforts to strengthen communications capacity and develop specialised personnel capable of supporting modern military operations.