Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to international peacekeeping through training, technology and partnerships, as the country hosted the graduation of personnel from two United Nations peacekeeping courses.
The commitment was reiterated by UPDF Director of Women Affairs Brig Gen Charity Bainababo during the closing ceremony of the 17th Women’s Outreach Course and the 12th United Nations Peacekeeping Micro-UAS Remote Pilot Course at the UN Regional Service Centre in Entebbe on Saturday.
Bainababo said Uganda’s participation in peacekeeping programmes was part of its broader commitment to promoting regional and global peace and security.
“Uganda believes in common security because we are alive to the fact that when our brothers and sisters are in trouble, so are we,” she said.
“These initiatives reinforce our shared commitment to peace, security and cooperation, while strengthening the preparedness of those serving in peace operations worldwide.”
She said Uganda was also preparing to host the inaugural Conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces, where UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and his counterparts are expected to discuss “Military Operations Other Than War”.
The Women’s Outreach Course brought together officers from seven peacekeeping missions, African Union operations and 14 countries.
Bainababo said the participation of the officers reflected growing efforts to increase women’s involvement in peace operations.
“These women have worked hard to strengthen their technical expertise, leadership and operational readiness,” she said. “Their accomplishments are significant as women continue to make essential contributions to peacekeeping.”
She urged the graduates to apply the knowledge gained during the training and continue updating their skills as technology develops.
“Let the knowledge not remain on paper, on the certificate that you have acquired. Let it be seen from the way you operate, from the way you interact with your colleagues and from the way you interact with technology,” Bainababo said.
“Be a student forever, because this technology that you have learnt here keeps evolving.”
She also commended participants who completed the Micro-UAS Remote Pilot Course, saying their specialised skills would contribute to safer and more effective peacekeeping operations.
Micro-UAS, or small unmanned aircraft systems, can provide peacekeeping personnel with aerial information and improve awareness of operational environments.
“In each one of you, a candle has been lit. Go hold it out for all to see. We can only get the value of this course through your actions, through your application of the skills,” Bainababo said.
The Ambassador of France to Uganda, Virginie Leroy, reaffirmed France’s support for UN peacekeeping through training, technology and international partnerships.
Leroy said partnerships were essential to sustainable peacekeeping and noted that the cooperation supporting the training had recently been renewed until 2029.
She said the renewed partnership would also cover areas including information and communication technology and advanced aircraft systems training.
Leroy identified gender inclusion and technological innovation as priorities for modern peacekeeping operations.
“The Women’s Outreach Course has enabled women worldwide to believe in themselves, to gain confidence, strengthen their technical and leadership skills and build networks as they prepare for future roles in peace operations,” she said.
She commended Uganda for its continued support for United Nations training activities.
On the Micro-UAS course, Leroy said remotely piloted aircraft were increasingly being used in peacekeeping operations to improve understanding of operational environments and situational awareness.
She said the technology could strengthen mission effectiveness while helping reduce risks and casualties among peacekeeping personnel.