The Director Women Affairs of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Brig Gen Charity Bainababo, has reiterated Uganda’s commitment to supporting international peacekeeping efforts through training, technology and strengthened partnerships.
She made the remarks during the closure of the 17th Women’s Outreach Course and the 12th United Nations Peacekeeping Micro-UAS Remote Pilot Course at the UN Regional Service Centre in Entebbe.
Brig Gen Bainababo said Uganda’s support for peacekeeping programmes is part of the country’s broader commitment to promoting regional and global peace and security.
She added that Uganda is set to host the inaugural Conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces, where the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and his counterparts will discuss Military Operations Other Than War.
“Uganda believes in common security because we are alive to the fact that when our brothers and sisters are in trouble, so are we. These initiatives reinforce our shared commitment to peace, security and cooperation, while strengthening the preparedness of those serving in peace operations worldwide,” Brig Gen Bainababo said.
She commended the officers drawn from seven missions, African Union operations and 14 member states who completed the Women’s Outreach Course, saying their achievement reflects growing efforts to enhance women’s participation in peace operations.
“These women have worked hard to strengthen their technical expertise, leadership and operational readiness. Their accomplishments are significant as women continue to make essential contributions to peacekeeping,” she said.
Brig Gen Bainababo urged them to translate the knowledge and skills acquired during the training into practice and remain committed to continuous learning as technology evolves.
“Let the knowledge not remain on paper, on the certificate that you have acquired. Let it be seen from the way you operate, from the way you interact with your colleagues and from the way you interact with technology. Be a student forever, because this technology that you have learnt here keeps evolving,” she said.
She also commended the graduates of the Micro-UAS Remote Pilot Course, saying their specialised skills would contribute to safer and more effective peacekeeping by enhancing situational awareness and promoting the responsible use of technology.
“In each one of you, a candle has been lit. Go hold it out for all to see. We can only get the value of this course through your actions, through your application of the skills,” she said.
The Ambassador of France to Uganda, H.E. Virginie Leroy, reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting United Nations peacekeeping operations through training, technology and stronger international partnerships.
She said international partnerships are the cornerstone of sustainable peacekeeping and noted that the partnership supporting the training had recently been renewed until 2029, with cooperation expanding to areas including Information and Communication Technology and advanced aircraft systems training.
Ambassador Leroy highlighted gender inclusion and innovation as key priorities for modern peacekeeping.
“The Women’s Outreach Course has enabled women worldwide to believe in themselves, to gain confidence, strengthen their technical and leadership skills and build networks as they prepare for future roles in peace operations,” she said.
She commended the Government of Uganda for its continued support to UN training activities.
On the Micro-UAS training, Ambassador Leroy said remotely piloted aircraft are increasingly supporting peacekeeping operations by enhancing understanding of operational environments, improving situational awareness, strengthening mission effectiveness and reducing casualties.
“Technology can help peacekeepers understand operational environments, improve situational awareness, support mission effectiveness and, for all of you, reduce casualties,” she said.
Ambassador Leroy also thanked the Government of Canada for supporting the women’s training programme and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) for its support to the Micro-UAS programme, describing the partnerships as evidence of the importance of multilateral cooperation.
She urged the graduates to share the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, uphold professional standards and prepare for future responsibilities in UN peace operations.
“Please continue ensuring excellence, sharing your knowledge and serving with professionalism,” she said.
Representing UNMAS, Mr Philippe Raymond Eugene Renard described the UAS training as an important first step in a broader initiative aimed at strengthening UAS capabilities across peacekeeping operations and integrating the technology into other training programmes.
“We have a solid project, and this training marks the first step in its implementation,” he said.
Mr Renard commended the trainees for their performance and encouraged them to serve as technical ambassadors by helping their leadership understand, adopt and integrate the new capabilities into their operations.
The two courses attracted 21 participants from seven missions, African Union operations and 14 member states.
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