Ugandan Women Join Elite Ranks of Drone-Powered Peacekeepers

When you think of peacekeepers, images of tough missions and rugged terrain probably come to mind. But add a cutting-edge drone controller and a female leader to the mix, and you get a glimpse of the future of peacekeeping. Recently, 33 remarkable women from 15 United Nations member states, including Uganda, completed advanced training that blends leadership skills with micro drone operations. This is no ordinary course — it’s a game changer for these women.

The Power of Technology in Peacekeeping

For decades, peacekeeping missions have relied on boots on the ground and radio chatter. This training, held at the UN Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda, introduces a new breed of peacekeeper: one who operates sophisticated unmanned aerial systems to keep operations sharp and safe. Imagine flying a drone over complex environments to gather intel, coordinate teams, or spot threats — it’s the kind of skill set that can tip the scales towards success without putting too many lives at risk. And the best part is that to train this women you dont need to invest too many resources.

This evolution is a testament to how technology can elevate traditional peacekeeping. As Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Director of Women Affairs Brigadier General Charity Bainababo pointed out, integrating drones into missions enhances both efficiency and safety. The old days of relying solely on intuition and binoculars are giving way to high-tech tools that offer eyes in the sky.

Women Leading the Charge

It’s heartening to see women take center stage in this critical training. The course was designed not just to teach drone piloting but also to empower women in leadership roles within peacekeeping operations. Canada’s Consul General to Uganda, Pamela Kertland, emphasized this point, highlighting that inclusive peacekeeping is effective peacekeeping.

The initiative sends a powerful message: drone skills and leadership training aren’t just for the usual suspects — they’re for anyone ready to step up and make a difference on the global stage. This diverse group, including participants from Belgium, France, Cameroon, and Morocco, exemplifies how peacekeeping is becoming more representative and dynamic.

What This Means for Global Peacekeeping

We’re looking at a paradigm shift. Peacekeeping missions are no longer just about strength in numbers but about smart, strategic use of technology coupled with strong leadership. These women peacekeepers are proof that gender diversity and tech savviness together create a formidable force for stability.

The next time you think about drones, don’t picture just a gadget buzzing overhead. Think of it as a tool wielded by skilled peacekeepers—women and men alike—who bring calm, precision, and courage to some of the world’s toughest environments.

The DroneXL Take

This training program is exactly the kind of forward-looking step that the peacekeeping community needs. Watching 33 women master drone operations and leadership underlines a simple truth: technology and diversity go hand in hand to boost mission success. For the newbies out there, it’s a reminder that anyone can learn these skills — even me, the former “newbie” droner — with the right guidance and passion.

To every aspiring drone pilot or peacekeeper, this story says: gear up, because the future of peacekeeping is flying high, led by confident women who know how to navigate both sky and mission with calm and expertise. It’s inspiring, it’s smart, and it’s absolutely necessary.

Photo credit: Nile Post