By Our Reporter
NAKASONGOLA, Sep 19, 2026 — The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force has graduated officers and airmen trained in key aviation disciplines, including aircraft piloting, hybrid aviation security, Raven operations and ground-based air defence.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Uganda Air Force College in Nakasongola, was officiated by the Commander of Air Forces (CAF), Lieutenant General Charles Okidi, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The graduates were urged to apply their technical skills, strengthen operational readiness and work together to fulfil the UPDF Air Force’s constitutional mandate of defending Uganda’s airspace and supporting land forces.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Major General Wycliffe Keita, called for military training and doctrine to remain aligned with contemporary security threats and operational requirements.
He said military education should go beyond awarding certificates to developing practical capabilities that improve readiness and enable the UPDF to accomplish its mission whenever called upon.
“We do not train merely to graduate students or award certificates, but rather to generate capabilities, improve readiness and ensure that the UPDF can accomplish its mission whenever called upon,” Maj Gen Keita said.
He emphasised that air power depends on knowledge, technology and sound decision-making, urging the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to improve operational effectiveness.
Lt Gen Okidi reminded the graduates of their constitutional responsibility to defend Uganda’s airspace, provide air support to land forces and participate in operations other than war.
“Fulfilling these responsibilities requires collective effort, teamwork and loyalty to the UPDF,” he said.
He also commended the President and Commander-in-Chief for providing strategic guidance, vision and continued support towards capacity building at UPDF centres of excellence, including the Uganda Air Force College.
The Commandant of Uganda Air Force College, Brigadier General Allan Kalanzi, acknowledged the support provided by the Air Force leadership, Joint Staff and Chief of Defence Forces in improving training resources and infrastructure.
He said the support had enabled the college to train and graduate personnel in various aviation disciplines.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, including Deputy Commander of the Air Force Maj Gen David Isimbwa, Commander Artillery Division Maj Gen Daniel Kakono, Chief of Staff Air Force Brig Gen James Itungo, Chief of Staff Reserve Forces Brig Gen Mwanjje Ssekiranda and Commander Ground-Based Air Defence Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe.
Other attendees included directors, commandants of military colleges, academies and schools, as well as senior and junior officers.
