By Frederick Kiwanuka
in Nakasongola

UGANDA will no longer spend huge amounts of money on training UPDF aircraft personnel abroad, following the launch of the first Military Aviation Academy in Nakasongola.

The institution was officially launched by President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday.

“The money that used to be spent on expatriates and sending students abroad will now be put to the development of the academy,” he said.

Museveni, flanked by the chief of defence forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima and the defence state minister, Ruth Nankabirwa, said the launch of the school was another achievement by the UPDF in building a professional force.

Museveni said the Government would build more colleges for the army to boost existing academies like the senior staff college at Kimaka, the Cadet Academy at Karama and the junior staff college in Jinja. He commended the UPDF leaders for initiating the academy.

The President reiterated his message to the UPDF officers to live responsibly and avoid catching HIV/AIDS. He also cautioned prospective students to handle the aircraft equipment with care.

The commandant of the academy, Maj. Gen. Masaba, said they would train pilots, aviation technicians and crew, who should have a minimum education requirement of A’level. He added that they would soon start admitting students.

Nankabirwa said following the relative return to peace to the north, the defence ministry had saved money which was used to set up the academy.
She said the army was faced with the challenge of modernising the force.

The function was attended by several senior officers from Nakasongola army barracks, led by the air division commander, Gervasse Mugyenyi.