Gen. Wamala passes 34 Air force pilots, technicians

A total of 34 cadets comprising of 25 Air force pilots and air force craft technicians have been passed out after a four-year course at the Gulu airbase by the chief of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen. Katumba Wamala.

Among the pilots who flew an AF 703 jet on Friday is 27-year-old Joanita Kyomuhangi. She is the only female pilot who undertook the aircraft course. 

Kyomuhangi said she was determined to rock the air space in any air defence to defend her country in case of any military attacks.

In a similar display in the air, the best and most promising male pilot granduand, Stephen Bainomugisha,25, rocketed an AF 721 Mig 21 into the air space in the same route with Kyomugisha. The training was conducted by Bulgarian Air Force masters.

The commander of the Uganda Air Force, Maj. Gen. Sam Turyagyenda asked the pilots and technicians to take care of the aircraft assets they are handling.

He said more professional and advanced level course would soon be organized for them either locally or abroad to fully develop their air force careers.

Turyagyenda revealed that UPDF air force training that started in 2012 will train at least 50 pilots annually.

Gen. Wamala hailed Kyomuhangi for her discipline, and techniques she displaced in the 20-minute of demonstration.

He cautioned the pilots and technicians to safeguard themselves against the deadly HIV/AIDS.

"I want to encourage you to always be humble, hard-working, have the right attitudes towards your work with good moral values and integrity. Stay focused in order to achieve more", he said.

The Jotov and Son Ltd Company (the company supporting the training) representative in Uganda, Lachezar Minchev said Jotov and Son Bulgaria was proud to support President Yoweri Museveni's efforts to build local AF pilots' capacities.