Senior commanders and staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), involved in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), have assembled at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Singo for a four-day ‘Lessons Learned’ workshop.
The purpose: to share experiences, address challenges, and refine strategies for future mission success.
Opening the workshop, Deputy Commander Land Force, Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, underscored the importance of evaluating progress and improving methods to reinforce stability in Somalia and the wider region. “It is a privilege to examine what we’ve done, where we have succeeded, and where we can improve,” Maj Gen Takirwa stated.
He further noted the UPDF’s transition in training leadership, describing it as a major milestone. “While training was once fully conducted by external partners, the UPDF has now taken the lead,” he added.
Brig Gen John Patrick Otongo, Commandant of IPSO-TC, affirmed the centre’s dedication to promoting regional peace and security through robust capacity-building.
Among those present are Maj Gen David Isimbwa, Deputy Commander of the UPDF Air Force; Maj Gen Don Nabasa, 3 Infantry Division Commander; Brig Gen Felix Busizori, Commander 4 Infantry Division; Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, Chief of Staff of URDC; Brig Gen Joseph Semwanga, as well as training partners and other senior figures.
