Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) has trained and equipped 33 security officers on new technology of using unmanned Aerial Vehicles known as drones.
The 3-day workshop, organised under the theme: “Drone Industry, Management and Control in Rwanda”, attracted officers from Rwanda Defence Force, Rwanda National Police, National Intelligence Security Services and Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority.
The workshop aimed at providing practical information on operating drones and related airspace management, with the view of identifying and prioritizing minima aspects.
Speaking during the workshop, Air Force Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Charles Karamba said; “the workshop is the first of its kind and it is at the frontier of modern and evolving technology of employing drones in various fields to play a part in the development of our country.”
RCAA Director, Col Silas Udahemuka speaking at the closing ceremony
While closing the workshop, Director of Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), Col Silas Udahemuka, said that RCAA has introduced new regulations for the remotely piloted aircraft systems.
“RCAA took the national safety and security needs into account, “said Col Udahemuka.
He told participants that they were henceforth better informed, after covering topics which included, among others, the technology embedded in drones and regulations behind that technology, the importance of robotic technology, airspace management and use of drones in safety surveillance and reconnaissance.
Maj Asifiwe Kamasa, flights Inspector at RCAA commented that the workshop was a kind of awareness especially for Security Organs to be aware of this technology.