Dr. Benon M. Mutambi, the Internal Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary, said they had expected over 50 officers to attend the training but majority of them dropped out leaving the 22 officers. She said the minister will redeploy the officers since they have acquired extra skills, which should be utilized.
Internal Affairs Minister, General Jeje Odongo has directed the management of the Nakasongola Immigration Academy to include Information and Communication Technology-ICT training on its curriculum.
He issued the directive while passing out 22 pioneer students of Nakasongola Immigration Academy on Friday. The Directorate of Citizen and Immigration Control set up the academy at Kawondwe village in Kalungi Sub County in Nakasongola district in 2017 with support from the International Organization for Migration and Government of Japan with the aim of Strengthening Border Security.
General Odongo noted that Immigration officers are part of the security apparatus, adding that the training will help them detect and avert threats directed at the country to ensure stability. He however, noted with concern that the teaching curriculum at the Academy lacks the ICT component, which ought to equip the officers to deal with emerging immigration issues.
He directed the management of the academy to include ICT training on the curriculum and ensure it is accredited by the National Council of Higher Education. Earlier on while presenting the pioneer graduates, Agnes Igoye, the commandant of Nakasongola Immigration Academy Senior Immigration Officer, said the officers had acquired skills in military science, legal and inspection services, political education, counter terrorism, criminal investigations, immigration and passport control among others.
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Dr. Benon M. Mutambi, the Internal Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary, said they had expected over 50 officers to attend the training but majority of them dropped out leaving the 22 officers. She said the minister will redeploy the officers since they have acquired extra skills, which should be utilized.
According to International Organization for Migration, East Africa has been a volatile region facing numerous challenges from political, military and economic instability. Such conditions have placed great strain on border management, exposing the country's borders to irregular movements and mass migrations.
IOM believes that acquiring modern equipment, IT systems and training Immigration officials on issues such as general border management, immigration intelligence and technical competences will help to address such challenges.
Crowe Elisa, the Resident Management Officer International Organization for Migration who represented the Chief of Mission of the organization, Ali Abdi pledged continued support to the academy to ensure its continuity.
Prior to the construction of Nakasongola Immigration Academy, immigration officers were being trained at Uganda People's Defense Forces marine headquarters in Butiaba Sub County in Buliisa district.
