Thirty-three female combatants from 15 United Nations Member States, including Uganda, have completed the 5th Women’s Outreach Course and the Micro Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Remote Pilot and Trainer of Trainers Course at the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe.

 The training was conducted by the United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations, with support from the Government of Canada.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, on behalf of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Chief of Joint Staff, the UPDF Director Women Affairs, Brigadier General Charity Bainababo, commended the collaboration between Uganda, the United Nations, and development partners in advancing the quality of peacekeeping training.

“As a proud host nation, Uganda stands at the forefront of global peacekeeping efforts, dedicated to fostering stability and security,” Brig Gen Bainababo said. “Our commitment is demonstrated through the provision of world-class training facilities and logistical support that ensure peacekeeping personnel are well prepared for deployment in complex environments.”

She highlighted the importance of the Micro UAS Remote Pilot and Trainer of Trainers Course, describing it as a key step in strengthening mission effectiveness through technological innovation.

“Technology now plays a critical role in modern peacekeeping operations. By equipping personnel with these capabilities, we enhance efficiency and ensure the safety of all involved,” she added.

Brig Gen Bainababo thanked the United Nations for its leadership and the Governments of Canada and Japan for their financial and technical support. She reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting future peacekeeping initiatives and maintaining its role as a steadfast partner in global peace and security.

Her Excellency Pamela Kertland, Consul General of Canada to the Republic of Uganda, applauded the initiative as a vital effort in advancing gender equality and empowering women in peacekeeping.

“We believe that inclusive peacekeeping is effective peacekeeping, and the Women’s Outreach Course is a shining testimony to this belief,” she said. “Canada is proud to support this essential initiative, which paves the way for greater representation of women in peace operations across the globe.”

Ambassador Kertland emphasised that diversity strengthens peacekeeping missions, noting that the inclusion of women is not merely about numbers but about recognising the unique perspectives and skills they contribute.

She also appreciated the United Nations, the Government of Uganda, and the governments of Japan, France, Belgium, and Morocco for their collaboration and technical expertise.

“Equality and security go hand in hand,” she said, encouraging the graduates to apply their skills and leadership to shape the future of peacekeeping.

The Women’s Outreach Course trained 24 participants from 15 UN Member States, including Ugandans, who completed the Micro UAS Remote Pilot and Trainer of Trainers Course. Facilitators included Col Vincent Douniaux from Belgium, Lt Col Hind Jirari from France, Mr. Paulin Djomo Metanhi from Cameroon, and Mr. Emmanuel Ngor, Chief of Regional Technology Service, among others.