JINJA- The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has launched a month-long training program on gender-mixed engagement teams at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Headquarters (HQ URDC).
The course is designed to develop a cadre of trainers who will support the integration of gender-specific expertise into UPDF operations. Participants, drawn from various UPDF units and formations, are being equipped to serve as Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) within their respective commands.
Speaking at the opening, Lt Col Edward Kangumba, the Training Officer at HQ URDC, emphasised the importance of the program in strengthening the UPDF’s capacity during pre-mission preparations.
“We are training you so that you can train others in your formations, as part of efforts to build UPDF capacity during pre-mission operations,” Lt Col Kangumba said.
The training is facilitated by Ms Monica Mosyoni, Senior Gender Adviser from the British Peace Support Team in Africa (BPST-A). She described the course as critical for understanding gender dynamics in today’s operational environments and for preparing troops for deployment.
In attendance were both senior and junior UPDF officers from HQ URDC and WOII Chris Connelly from BPST-A, who is serving as the chief instructor.
