The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) College of Logistics and Engineering (COLE) in Magamaga has once again marked a major achievement, as officers and Non-Commissioned Officers successfully completed important professional courses. A total of forty-seven officers, including 11 women and four from Rwanda, together with 53 Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), graduated after four months and one week of training in the Logistics Staff Course and the Basic Arms Management Course.
The colourful ceremony was graced by Brigadier General Kefa Nangeso, Dean of Studies at the National Defence College – Uganda, who represented the Chief of Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Jack Agonza Bakasumba, as guest of honour. He praised the graduation as a key milestone for COLE and the UPDF, as the institution passed out Logistics Staff Course Intake 09/25 and Basic Arms Management Course 04/25. Brig Gen Nangeso congratulated the graduates, reminding them that the UPDF is now a professional army where every member is expected to carry out duties with excellence. He further urged them to share their knowledge with colleagues in order to boost efficiency and improve performance across the force. He also commended the practical demonstrations carried out during the ceremony.
The event was also attended by Rwanda’s Defence Attaché to Uganda, Colonel Emmanuel Ruzindana, who expressed gratitude to the UPDF leadership for training Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) officers. He noted that COLE has so far trained 31 RDF officers, a testament to the strong military cooperation between the two countries. Colonel Ruzindana appreciated the commandant and staff of COLE, adding that the training would greatly support the professional development of RDF personnel. He also pledged Rwanda’s continued cooperation with Uganda in the defence sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, COLE Commandant Colonel Chris Kyanku explained the importance of the two programmes. He said the aim was to produce combat-oriented logistics officers who can sustain forces both in peace and in war at brigade and division levels. He further emphasized that the training equips participants with the necessary skills to manage arms and ammunition effectively, while instilling analytical thinking, professionalism, and an understanding of military sustainment.
In recognition of outstanding performance, several graduates received special awards. Captain Pius Katumuhimbise Mutatiina was named the overall best student, Lieutenant Eunice Nandudu received the award for best academic performer, and Lieutenant Richard Iradukunda of the RDF was honoured as the best allied student.
The ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of the graduates but also highlighted the growing strength of Uganda’s military training institutions. With the knowledge and skills gained, the graduates are expected to make a positive impact in their respective units and beyond, supporting the UPDF’s vision of professionalism, efficiency, and regional cooperation.
