In a move aimed at bolstering the country’s tourism sector, a total of 53 finalist students of the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) have been passed out on Friday, August 15th, after successfully completing a three-week paramilitary training course at the Non Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) – Gaddafi Barracks.
The course aims at equipping finalist students pursuing certificates and diplomas in Tour Guiding and Tourism Management respectively with skills needed for them to survive and work in the wilderness, self defence and physical fitness, among others.
The students, who include 22 females and 31 males, as part of their curriculum, have been undergoing intense training in firearm handling and maintenance, elementary map reading, martial arts, target shooting, man-to-man combat and political education, among others.
The Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. Hon. Tom Butime, in a speech read for him by the ministry director, Dr Basil Ajer, urged the cadets to use the skills they have acquired to diligently serve their country.
“I commend the UPDF and NCOA in particular for the strategic partnership with the institute that has made it possible to undertake this course which doesn’t only equip students with military skills but also instills in them a sense of patriotism by exposing them to military discipline,” Butime said.
Richard Kawere, the institute Principal, lauded the government and the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) for enabling the students to undertake the training.
“We are responsive to the demands of the labour market and it is by design that these students come for this paramilitary training thanks to our partnership with the UPDF. I urge the trainees to use the skills attained to positively contribute towards the growth of the industry,” Kawere said.
The NCOA commandant, Brig. Gen. Michael Ssesanga, said the trainees are now battle hardened and able to protect tourists and tourism resources.
“You have proved to be warriors of service capable of carrying a tray in one hand and a team on the other. As you walk into a boardroom, service lobby or hotel, bear in mind that you have gone through something tougher at NCOA. You are going to put off that uniform but the skills we have imparted in you will last forever,” Brig. Gen. Ssesanga said in a speech read for him by NCOA Chief Instructor (CI) Maj. Amos Akankwasa.
Sam Buluboine, the Head of the Tourism Department at the institute, said the training aims at shaping an all-round tourism professional who can effectively contribute to the growth of the sector.
The partnership between UHTTI and UPDF not only helps the institute to deliver its mandate but also serves as an example of how strategic collaboration can greatly contribute to the growth of the tourism sector.
