20 UPDAF radar engineers graduate in ICT

Jan 18, 2016

The training, which is part of government's mission to professionalize the army was aimed at providing ICT skills on how to manage and operate new equipment, communicate and coordinate planes during war and how to detect an enemy aircraft.



Twenty Uganda People's Defence Air force (UPDAF) radah engineers who have been undergoing a seven weeks training in ICT have been passed out.

The training was conducted by the Uganda institute of information communications technology, Nakawa.

The training, which is part of government's mission to professionalize the army was aimed at providing ICT  skills on how  to manage and operate new equipment, communicate and coordinate planes during war and how to detect an enemy  aircraft.  

The deputy commandant Uganda Air force Academy Nakasongola, Col Emmanuel Kazahura, while officiating at the pass out said that the training was geared at responding to the current needs of technology.

"For any country to be safe, its airspace must be protected. The change in technology in the word demands that we keep on improving our skills, so as the radars advance, we bring in the new technology that has been introduced so that we are not left behind, "he said.

He observed that Uganda is a rich country with a lot of resources and for it to be safe, its air force must be secured and safeguarded.

Kazahura advised parents to motivate their children to offer engineering courses saying recruitment at UPDAF is not based on technical know who, but on capacity to perform and deliver.

"If you have not studied, there is no job for you in the air force however much you have relatives, the knowledge requirement will kick you out, "he said.

Major Benon Byakurama, a radah engineer at UPDAF said that the training is a great milestone in ensuring manpower at the air force base.

"We nowadays acquire modern equipment that needs people who are highly trained in new technology, and basically that is why we engage UICT to train our people who will be able to operate it, "he said.

He expressed optimism that the country is able to train its people locally and build its capacity without engaging foreigners.

The Acting principal of the Institute, Fabiano Okware, said that the institute is working towards strengthening the partnership with UPDF in its efforts to professionalize the army.

"We believe that in so doing, we shall be able to bridge the digital gap of the society in ICT skills to enhance performance, since ICT is the tool for development, "he said.

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