Thirty seven officers and Men of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence AirForce (UPDAF) on Tuesday successfully completed a two days training on human rights at Paniel Hotel, Entebbe.
The training was conducted by the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) in partnership with the UPDF Directorate of Human Rights Affairs.
The training tackled the following concept of Human Rights; sexual exploitation/ harassment, concept of torture and effects, prevention and prohibition of torture act 2012, regulations to the act of 2012 as well as the UPDF code of conduct.
The African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) started in Uganda in 1993 with its head office based in Kamwokya – Kampala.
The Director of Human Rights Affairs(UPDF), Brig Charles Wacha Angulo, who also doubled as the Chief guest, congratulated the trainees upon completing the training.
“I appreciate the UPDF leadership for allowing me Partner with the various human rights organizations in bringing closer such vital human rights training to our forces.” He said.
Brig Wacha also commended the facilitators from the ACTV for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the trainees understood basic concepts in the area of prevention and prohibition of torture as well as the Anti-Torture law which will help them operate professionally in their day-to- day duties.
He affirmed that this training will positively impact on the Officers and Men who will in turn put it to proper use what they have learned and asked them to be cautious about torture.
He encouraged the Officers to always utilize the resourcefulness of the Human Rights Officers stationed in the various UPDF units to offer solutions to militants other than running to the media.
He informed the gathering that the Directorate of Human Rights affairs, UPDF has so far opened branches at CMI hqs Mbuya, UPDAF hqs, Entebbe and in Gulu.
The Chief Executive officer of ACTV, Mr. Samuel Herbert Nsubuga, said that ACTV has been in existence for long with its first branch in Gulu since 2008 purposely to handle survivors of the war that was being perpetuated by Joseph Kony at the time.
Mr.Nsubuga said that the Centre was established to treat and rehabilitate survivors of torture as well as advocating against torture.
He added that it is only through training that awareness creation could be extended to the security agencies which role ACTV actively played.
The CEO said he expects the militants after the training to be conversant with human rights Acts and laws.
He applauded the UPDF in general for their good discipline, from within and outside Uganda. He urged the Forces to always maintain their good image because the Wanainchi are proud of UPDF.