Thirty-three female combatants from 15 United Nations Member States, including Uganda, have successfully completed the 5th Women’s Outreach Course and the Micro Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Remote Pilot and Trainer of Trainers Course at the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe.
The training, conducted by the United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations with support from the Government of Canada, was designed to strengthen women’s participation and leadership in peacekeeping through the use of advanced technology and practical field skills.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Director of Women Affairs Brigadier General Charity Bainababo, who represented the Chief of Joint Staff, commended the collaboration between Uganda, the United Nations, and development partners in enhancing the quality of peacekeeping training.
“As a proud host nation, Uganda stands at the forefront of global peacekeeping efforts, dedicated to fostering stability and security,” Brig Gen Bainababo said.
“Our commitment is demonstrated through the provision of world-class training facilities and logistical support that ensure peacekeeping personnel are well prepared for deployment in complex environments.”
She added that the Micro UAS Remote Pilot Course marked a major milestone in integrating technology into modern peacekeeping operations.
“Technology now plays a critical role in modern peacekeeping operations. By equipping personnel with these capabilities, we enhance efficiency and ensure the safety of all involved,” she noted.
Her Excellency Pamela Kertland, Consul General of Canada to Uganda, hailed the initiative as a vital step toward gender equality and women’s empowerment in global peace missions.
“We believe that inclusive peacekeeping is effective peacekeeping, and the Women’s Outreach Course is a shining testimony to this belief,” she said.
“Canada is proud to support this essential initiative, which paves the way for greater representation of women in peace operations across the globe.”
The course brought together participants and facilitators from across the world, including Belgium, France, Cameroon, and Morocco.
The training focused on leadership, coordination, and drone operation skills — all aimed at enhancing mission effectiveness and promoting more inclusive peacekeeping operations worldwide.