Mayuge District: In a significant stride towards enhancing professionalism within the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF), a cohort of 124 UPDF soldiers has successfully completed rigorous training in three distinct disciplines at the UPDF College of Logistics and Engineering (COLE) situated in Magamaga Barracks, Mayuge district. Among these graduates, 31 have completed the Basic Finance Officers course, 58 have accomplished the Basic Catering course, and 35 have successfully undertaken the Battalion Arms Technician course.
The pass-out ceremony, graced by the UPDF Deputy Chief of Logistics and Engineering (D/CLE) Brigadier General Godwin Karugaba, marked an important milestone in the drive to nurture professionalism within the UPDF ranks. Brig Gen Karugaba conveyed his gratitude to the Commandant and the entire COLE staff for adeptly facilitating three parallel courses while upholding the institution’s commitment to excellence. He lauded the college’s unwavering dedication to maintaining high training standards, a critical factor in addressing the skilled manpower gap.
Brig Gen Karugaba underscored that for a soldier to truly evolve and excel within their career, continuous training remains pivotal. He encouraged the graduates to effectively apply the leadership skills they have gained to drive positive development. He emphasized that a commitment to perpetual learning and professional growth stands as the most effective trajectory for a soldier’s career advancement.
Addressing the challenges faced by UPDF, Brig Gen Karugaba reiterated the paramount role that the acquired knowledge plays in overcoming obstacles. He acknowledged that the training these soldiers have undergone will equip them with the resilience and skills necessary to surmount such challenges.
The Commandant of COLE, Colonel David Agaba, highlighted that all three courses were executed simultaneously over a span of 18 weeks. He commended the graduates for their impressive performance, discipline, and high morale. In an environment where the performance of the trainees exceeded expectations, no student was dismissed from any of the three courses.
Col Agaba outlined that the training’s core objective was to elevate the performance within their respective departments, thereby nurturing professionalism. He expressed gratitude towards the UPDF command structure for its unwavering support, which substantially contributed to the delivery of high-quality training. Col Agaba also extended appreciation to the Crested Crane Hotel Jinja for its collaboration in providing practical training for the catering course.
As the graduates embark on their new phases, Col Agaba offered them sound advice. He urged them to prioritize their health, exercise financial discipline, and make judicious investments to improve their overall well-being. During the courses, exceptional individuals were recognized for their dedication. Lt. Joseph Kayongo earned the distinction of being the top-performing student in the Basic Finance Officers course, while Pte Basalirwa Patience emerged as the overall best performer in the Basic Catering course. Col. Enos Bakoroto stood out as the finest in the Battalion Arms Technician course, and Capt. Edward Thomas Ekawu showcased exemplary leadership skills throughout the training program.
