By Frank Kamuntu
The Joint Chief of Staff, Major General Leopold Kyanda has said that the engagements of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces both at home and abroad require professional protocol staff to manage and challenged protocol officers to put into practice the skills they acquire during their two-weeks training to enhance their work.
“I implore you to take advantage of this course seriously and require you to uphold the UPDF ethos as you deal especially as you deal with foreign visitors. Remember, you are the face of UPDF. Your turnout is very important and therefore, this course will help to equip you with skills on to handle events,” said Maj Gen Kyanda.
Maj Gen Kyanda was today speaking at the opening of the first ever Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Protocol Officers Staff Course at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs Headquarters, Mbuya which he said is in fulfillment of the Chief of Defence Forces directive to professionalise the Directorate and in preparation for the international events that are slated to be hosted in Uganda.
He reminded them to remain professional and in the execution of their duties and urged them not to get carried away by the activities and engagements of their principals.
Maj Gen Kyanda tasked the officers that as part of their duty, they must be good facilitators, negotiators, researchers, informed and cautioned them to be mindful of the kinds of conversations they involve themselves in.
The Director of Protocol, Colonel Naboth Mwesigwa thanked the Joint Chief of Staff for his commitment towards ensuring that the training of protocol officers takes place and said it will greatly improve their performance and the expectations of the leadership.
Col Mwesigwa added that as a protocol department, they have fulfilled most of the targets that were laid out for them and look forward to addressing the missing gaps that are pending.
