Thirty-two Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers have completed an intensive eight-week geospatial mapping training at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ-URDC) in Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja City.
The course, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, equipped soldiers with advanced mapping skills to enhance their ability to interpret topographic data and resolve administrative boundary disputes.
Brig Gen Earnest Nuwagaba, Commander of HQ-URDC, praised the program’s impact on the professionalization of the UPDF. "This training has contributed to the academic growth of the trainees, aligning with the professionalization of the UPDF as pledged by His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief," he said. He urged the soldiers to apply their new skills for the benefit of the institution.
Asizua Fax Agadribo, Assistant Commissioner for Mapping at the Ministry of Lands, emphasized the course’s blend of theory and practice. He noted that the graduates would support national projects requiring geospatial expertise.
The top-performing trainees were recognized for their excellence. Pte Abdul Hassan Ouma was named Best in Class, Pte Agaba Derrick won Best in the Field, Pte Anyango Fiona received Best Female Trainee, Pte Amutuhairwe Franklin was honored as Most Disciplined, and Pte Ashley Joseph Bill emerged as Best Overall.
The pass-out ceremony was attended by officers from Jinja Cantonment, representatives from the Global Peace Initiative, and other dignitaries.