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UPDF medics enhance battlefield skills through specialised training in Somalia

22 April 2025, 9:54 am

By Sarah Ejang

Team of UPDF personnel trained in Somalia.

On 19 April, a significant milestone was reached as fifteen medics from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), serving under the United Nations Guard Unit Eleven (UNGU XI), successfully completed an intensive Combat Medical Care Training course in Somalia. This specialised training, designed to enhance their ability to provide prompt and effective medical support in conflict zones, was conducted by The Development Initiative (TDI) with vital support from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).

During the certification ceremony, Major Jacob Gowan Kaburika, representing UNGU XI Commander Lieutenant Colonel Peter Ruyogoza Barigye, commended the collaborative efforts of TDI and UNMAS in equipping the medics with essential, life-saving skills. He emphasised the importance of continuous learning, stating, “Knowledge is power,” and encouraged the trainees to apply their newly acquired expertise to save lives—highlighting this as a core value of the UPDF’s operational philosophy.

The dedication of the medics did not go unnoticed. UNMAS Medical Coordinator, Ms Caroline Kimathi, praised their perseverance and underscored the importance of trauma care training. “Be ambassadors wherever you go and use the skills acquired to save lives,” she urged, reinforcing the responsibility that comes with their new capabilities.

Team of UPDF personnel trained in Somalia pose for a photo.

Captain Dr Andrew Namaulula, the Contingent Medical Officer for UNGU XI, elaborated on the diverse backgrounds of the participants, noting that they were drawn from various companies within the unit. The training focused on enhancing their ability to respond effectively to emergencies encountered in the field.

Reflecting on her experience, Private Rachael Nabbanja, a nurse among the trainees, expressed her gratitude for the training, stating, “The training has equipped me to recognise medical emergencies early and respond professionally.”

The successful completion of this programme marks a pivotal step forward in the UPDF’s medical preparedness, particularly in high-risk operational environments, and demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery under challenging conditions.