At least 50 UPDF officers were yesterday sent to the American army base in Djibouti to acquire skills in military planning. The officers, who will visit the ship where various military operations are conducted, will get training in disaster management and other operational skills.

"We are engaging in peace keeping in Somalia and Uganda is working towards forming an East African brigade. There is need to equip the army with skills to work with international forces," UPDF Air force spokesman Tabaaro Kiconco said yesterday.

The operation follows a decision by African Union to renew the mandate of UPDF in Somalia to allow them attack the Al-Shabab militants. Capt. Kiconco said the officers will use the acquired skills to train junior officers to work confidently with any international force. "We are grateful to the US forces for giving us skills to crack down terrorism and helping us in case of any disaster," he added.

Asked whether the training was in line with the AU mission to attack Al-Shabab militants, Capt. Kiconco said the objective is to train the army to work with international forces.