The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out 97 trainees who completed an eight-month Chinese and Arabic language course at the School of Defence Intelligence and Security in Migyera, Nakasongola.
Major General Paul Muhanguzi, Commander of the 2 Infantry Division, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, highlighted that learning new languages supports the UPDF’s strategic goal of professionalisation.
“Communication barriers often hinder individuals and institutions in conducting operations. Acquiring these language skills is key to overcoming such challenges,” he stated.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi praised the training team, facilitators, and local leaders for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the course’s success, noting their vital contributions to the achievement.
He urged the graduates to apply their newly acquired language skills, describing them as invaluable assets for their service to the nation.
Brigadier General Alex Opolot Olupot, Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, commended the trainees, emphasising that their work would significantly boost the UPDF’s multilingual capacity.
Brigadier General Abdul Rugumayo, Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, revealed plans to expand the language programme to include more languages, further strengthening the force’s capabilities.
Colonel James Muhumuza, Commandant of the School of Defence Intelligence, confirmed that this was the inaugural language intake, supported by Makerere University’s College of Languages, the Chinese Confucius Institute, and the Chinese government.
China’s Defence Attaché, Colonel Zhang Hao, encouraged the graduates to continue practising their language skills and to pursue advanced studies for deeper expertise.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Colonel Lee, Deputy Defence Attaché from China, Dr Tang Fei, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, Dr Gilbert Gumoshabe, Ugandan Director of the Confucius Institute, and representatives from the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service.