Speaking at the pass-out ceremony of soldiers who underwent an average of four months of training on Friday, Katongole noted that while the UPDF leadership has facilitated the rehabilitation of one block to be converted into staff quarters, most SOST workers still lack on-campus accommodation, which affects the execution of their duties.
The commandant of Jinja City's School of Supply and Transport (SOST), Col. JB Katongole, has urged the Uganda People's Defense Forces-UPDF's top leadership to expedite infrastructural development to create a more conducive learning environment for students.
Speaking at the pass-out ceremony of soldiers who underwent an average of four months of training on Friday, Katongole noted that while the UPDF leadership has facilitated the rehabilitation of one block to be converted into staff quarters, most SOST workers still lack on-campus accommodation, which affects the execution of their duties.
Katongole further pointed out that although wireless internet has been installed at the school, the computer laboratory remains inadequately equipped, denying students access to the latest research in their respective fields.
He also highlighted the inefficiency of their imprest, which cannot meet all office demands, and appealed for an upward revision to enhance daily operations.
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Katongole revealed that the bus drivers' course aims to improve transport welfare within the UPDF, as the force transitions from using troop carriers to buses.
However, he noted challenges with their aging training fleet, with some vehicles breaking down during training, disrupting the learning process.
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Fifteen students completed the bus drivers' course, while 57 others graduated in the regimental quartermasters' course. Initially, 21 students enrolled in the bus drivers' course, but six opted out.
Regarding the regimental quartermasters' course, Katongole stated that the training began with 68 students. However, eight were discontinued due to poor academic performance, and three others were dismissed for indiscipline, reducing the number of graduates to 57.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center (URDC), Brig. Flavia Byekwaso, expressed dismay over students who fail to implement skills acquired from various military training programs.
Citing her personal experience with UPDF drivers, Byekwaso remarked that she has never seen any of them practicing key professional driving guidelines, such as inspecting the vehicle before departure, maintaining fleet cleanliness, and ensuring timely servicing, despite being trained to do so.
Byekwaso warned that such negligence has led to avoidable accidents, resulting in loss of lives and extensive damage to the force’s fleet. She has now urged drivers to uphold discipline and humility, virtues she believes will enable them to respect their deployments.
