Sixty one Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces soldiers completed a five-month training in the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeants (RQMS) course and the Bus Drivers course at the School of Supplies and Transport (SOST) in Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja City. Among them, 47 completed the RQMS course, while 14 graduated in bus driving.
Presiding over the ceremony, the Chief of Staff at the Headquarters of Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability, Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, who represented the Joint Staff Logistics, underscored the importance of transport and logistics in military operations.
She said that they were now professional drivers and responsible logistics personnel, urging them to “exhibit high levels of integrity and discipline” to enhance road safety and logistics management in the UPDF.
She encouraged them to cultivate patience, humility, and keen problem-solving skills which are essential qualities for success in both driving and logistics management.
The Commandant of SOST, Col JB Katongole, noted that the training aimed to produce competent bus drivers to minimise accidents and professional logistics managers to handle supplies efficiently within the UPDF.
He encouraged the graduates to put their newly acquired skills into practice for the benefit of the force.
During the ceremony, several students were recognised for their exceptional performance:
WOI Ibrahim Mawa – Most Disciplined Student (Bus Drivers Course)
S/Sgt Musoke Patrick Saaku – Most Disciplined Student (RQMS Course)
Pte Duca Emmanuel Ogwal – Best Overall Student
L/Cpl Friday Aurther – Best in Practicals
The event was attended by senior UPDF officers, including Brig Gen Michael Ssozi Ssesanga, Commandant of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA); Lt Col Justus Magembe, Chief Instructor at the College of Logistics and Engineering; Lt Col SB Kalyesubula, among others.
