The Digital Battlefield

05/October/2025

by Y.Emma#lcctv reporter

KAMPALA – In a decisive move to counter the rising tide of digital falsehoods and bolster its public communication, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has concluded a specialized intensive training for its Public Information Officers (PIOs). The program, framed around the themes of “Combating Misinformation” and “Enhancing Professionalism,” signals a significant shift in the military’s approach to modern information warfare.

Held at the Civil Military Cooperation School in Butiaba, Bulisa District, the training brought together dozens of PIOs from various units across the country. Senior officers have hailed the initiative as a critical upgrade to the army’s capacity to operate in an increasingly complex digital information space.

Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, the Chief of the UPDF’s Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and Spokesperson, emphasized that the battlefield is no longer confined to physical terrain.

“In today’s world, misinformation and disinformation can be as destabilizing as conventional weapons,” Gen. Kulayigye stated during the closing ceremony. “Our enemies, both internal and external, are actively using digital platforms to spread false narratives aimed at sowing discord, undermining public trust in national institutions, and tarnishing the image of the UPDF. This training equips our information officers with the skills to not only preempt and counter these falsehoods but also to proactively communicate with accuracy and integrity.”

Officers were trained in advanced techniques to rapidly verify the authenticity of images, videos, and social media accounts, a crucial skill in debunking fabricated content. Moving beyond simple press releases, the training focused on crafting compelling, factual narratives for digital platforms to effectively engage the public, particularly the youth.

 PIOs underwent simulated crisis scenarios, drilling them on how to provide timely, transparent, and accurate information during emergencies to prevent a vacuum that misinformation often fills. A core component reinforced the importance of adherence to journalistic ethics—accuracy, fairness, and accountability—even within a military communication structure.

Participants expressed that the training was a game-changer. Captain (CPL) Edith Kibalama, a PIO from the UPDF’s 1st Division, shared her experience.

“We often encounter situations where a single edited photo or a voice note with false claims goes viral and causes unnecessary panic or anger towards the army,” Capt. Kibalama explained. “Before, our response was sometimes slow. Now, we have a structured methodology to quickly identify the lie, locate its origin, and present the truth in a clear, shareable format. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive.”

The UPDF leadership acknowledged the partnership with several undisclosed “media development partners” in designing and facilitating the training. This collaboration hints at a growing recognition within the security sector of the need for civilian expertise in navigating the modern media landscape.

Military analysts see this initiative as a positive step. “This is a mature and necessary evolution,” commented Dr. Arthur Bainomugisha, a security and governance analyst. “A professional military in the 21st century must have a professional communication wing. By investing in these skills, the UPDF is not just protecting its own image; it is contributing to the overall information hygiene of the nation and protecting citizens from manipulation.”

As the PIOs return to their respective units, the test will be in the execution. The public will be watching closely to see if this new strategy translates into more transparent, timely, and trustworthy communication from the country’s armed forces, ultimately making the digital space a less fertile ground for those who seek to deceive.

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