The Chief of Military Intelligence, Major General James Birungi, inaugurated the languages wing and formally commenced the Arabic and Chinese courses in partnership with Makerere University School of Languages.
Major General Birungi commended the Dean of the School of Languages at Makerere University for collaborating with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) on this significant initiative for the country. “This marks a crucial milestone for the entire UPDF community and our nation,” Major General Birungi remarked.
He emphasized that the course is launched at a time when the evolving global landscape, driven by globalization and technological advancements, presents both opportunities and challenges that necessitate effective communication skills to navigate through diverse cultures and complex partnerships without ambiguity or misunderstanding.
Encouraging the participants, Major General Birungi urged them to maintain focus and a positive attitude to maximize their learning and succeed in the course. “This training will equip you to become certified linguists in various job roles, including interpretation, translation, and cultural expertise,” he noted.
Colonel James Muhumuza, the Commandant of the School, outlined the course’s objectives, aiming to cultivate trainees who possess comprehensive skills in reading, listening, writing, speaking, and translating.
Drawing from history, Colonel Muhumuza underscored the power of language as both a unifying force, as seen in the Bible’s account of the Tower of Babel, and a divisive tool used for disintegration.
Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, Director of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University, expressed gratitude for the university’s role in developing the new language curriculum. He emphasized the importance of acquiring proficiency in foreign languages beyond English.
Among those present were Brigadier General Bonny Wolimbwa, Commandant of KRTS-Kaweweta, Brigadier General Tom Kabuye, Brigadier General Kenneth Shillingi, Asaba Charles, and Dr. Zhong Jianghua, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at MAK, among others.
