Twenty Ugandan police officers preparing to join the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have successfully completed a five-day pre deployment training at the Kikandwa Police ICT Research and Innovation Center in Wakiso District.

The training, which concluded on Friday, 3rd October, 2025, equipped the officers with the necessary skills to operate effectively in the conflict-affected nation.

Presiding over the closing ceremony, Deputy Director of Operations of the Uganda Police Force (UPF), Simon Okoth, emphasized the importance of alertness, integrity, and professionalism while on the mission.

“You are our ambassadors as members of the Uganda Police Force. We expect you to demonstrate integrity, maintain high levels of discipline, and work cohesively as a team while executing your duties,” Okoth said.

Brigadier General Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, the Joint Task Force Commander, recently delivered a similar message to soldiers already on the mission, emphasizing discipline, alertness, and professional conduct during a briefing on their combat readiness.

He stressed that discipline is vital for mission success, urging troops to stay vigilant and manage resources responsibly.

“Discipline is key to mission success! Troops are urged to stay alert and handle finances carefully while serving in South Sudan,” Brig Gen Mbuusi stated.

Polly Namaye, the UPF Head of Peace Support Operations, also advised the officers to carry themselves with professionalism, discipline, and teamwork.

She noted that their conduct would reflect not only on the force but also on Uganda as a nation.

“I urge you to exhibit professionalism and discipline when executing your duties on the mission. Adopt the spirit of unity and teamwork to ensure successful operations,” Namaye emphasized.

The deployment comes amid heightened tensions in South Sudan, where forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition groups aligned with former Vice President Riek Machar remain on alert following Machar’s recent treason and murder charges.

Despite a peace agreement signed in 2018, clashes resumed in February this year, prompting Kiir to request support from President Yoweri Museveni.

Since March, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have been deployed in South Sudan, managing key installations to stabilize the region.

The UPF has reminded the newly deployed officers to remain prepared for any eventualities while carrying out their duties in the volatile environment.

As they prepare to join their colleagues in South Sudan, the 20 Ugandan police officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and teamwork, representing both the Uganda Police Force and the nation with honor in a challenging and sensitive mission environment.