The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces Air Force has graduated personnel trained in specialised aviation disciplines, including aircraft piloting, aviation security, Raven operations and ground-based air defence.

The personnel completed their training at the Uganda Air Force College in Nakasongola, where the graduation ceremony was officiated by Commander Air Forces Lt Gen Charles Okidi, who represented Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Lt Gen Okidi said the newly trained personnel would be required to contribute to the UPDF's mandate of defending Uganda's airspace, supporting ground forces and conducting operations beyond conventional warfare.

"Fulfilling these responsibilities requires collective effort, teamwork and loyalty to the UPDF," Okidi said.

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The graduation comes as the military places greater emphasis on aligning specialised training with changing security threats and operational requirements.

Maj Gen Wycliffe Keita, Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, said military training was intended to build operational capabilities and readiness rather than simply produce graduates and certificates.

"We do not train merely to graduate students or award certificates, but rather to generate capabilities, improve readiness and ensure that the UPDF can accomplish its mission whenever called upon," Keita said.

He said air power increasingly depends on specialised knowledge, technology and sound decision-making, urging the graduates to apply their training to improve the Air Force's operational effectiveness.

Uganda Air Force College Commandant Brig Gen Allan Kalanzi said continued investment in training resources and infrastructure had enabled the college to expand its capacity to train personnel in different aviation disciplines.

The ceremony was attended by senior UPDF officers, including Deputy Commander of the Air Force Maj Gen David Isimbwa, Commander Artillery Division Maj Gen Daniel Kakono, Chief of Staff Air Force Brig Gen James Itungo and Commander Ground-Based Air Defence Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe.