The Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) Air Force has passed out 76 officers who completed the Squadron Officers Course at the Air Force College in Nakasongola.
Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, fondly referred to by his peers as MK, the Commander Air Force, Lieutenant General Charles Okidi, said the course was designed to transform officers from tactical executors into operational leaders, while sharpening their mental resilience, strategic judgment, and command ability required to lead effectively in complex and demanding environments.
“Over the past months, you have been challenged to rise above pressure, make critical decisions, and work as a team. Having navigated this demanding curriculum, you have proven that you are ready to shoulder the responsibility of command,” he said.
He said squadron-level officers are central to the Air Force’s operational readiness and urged them to ensure the force remains prepared to project power and respond effectively whenever called upon.
Lt Gen Okidi earlier commissioned new dormitories at the college, a development he said underscores the Air Force’s commitment to improving the welfare and learning environment of both students and staff.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Air Force College, Brigadier General Allan Kalanzi, urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course in their future assignments.
He emphasized that leadership begins with action and discipline, and called on the officers to lead by example in the execution of their duties.
Brig Gen Kalanzi described the squadron as the heart of the Air Force and stressed the importance of continuous and transformative training in preparing the Force to meet current and future security challenges.
He encouraged the officers to view the course as a key milestone in their professional growth, reminding them that career development in the military is a continuous process.
The ceremony was attended by the Under-Secretary Finance and Administration, Mrs. Edith Buturo; the Under-Secretary Logistics, Mr. Francis Kahirita Ngabirano; Deputy Commander Land Force, Maj Gen Joseph Ssemwanga; Deputy Commander Air Force, Maj Gen David Isimbwa; the Chief of Defense Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto, Joint Staff Human Resource Management, Maj Gen James Kinalwa; Service Chiefs of Staff, Joint Staffs, Senior and Junior Officers.
What You Need to Know:
According to standard air-force organization, a squadron is the primary flying unit and its commanding officer is responsible for operations, training and readiness of aircraft and personnel consistent with references such as U.S Air Force squadron-commander and UK RAF squadron structures.
In the UPDF, squadron-level officer means a commander or staff officer posted to a squadron-the Air Force’s basic flying unit (aircraft, crews and support teams). The officer runs day-to-day operations(ops), training, readiness and discipline turning higher orders into real missions.
The Nakasongola course was aimed at moving officers from tactful jobs to that of squadron-command responsibility.
