About AWTS
Armoured Warfare Training School (AWTS) is located at Karama, about 40 Km off Mubende – Fort Portal highway, occupying 53 sq miles within Kabamba cantonment. AWTS began as a training school for the then mechanised regiment in 1991 at Kaburangire in Mbarara district. It later shifted to the current location at Karama in 1994 and renamed Armoured Warfare Training School in 1998. The School was previously managed by the UPDF’s Armoured Brigade Operations and Training Officer until in 2001 when it was assigned a Commandant.
AWTS has evolved from a small school to a well developed infrastructural facility with modern gadgets, including simulation training assets. It continues to develop human resource capabilities for Motorised Infantry and Armoured Brigade through numerous trainings that have resulted into excellent performance by the components in both local and foreign missions.
The school motto is “Here I am, Send Me”.
Vision
To train and produce proficient and professional officers and men ready to command, operate, conduct maintenance and repair of the Armoured and Motorised brigades’ assets under all environments of war and operations other than war.
Mission
To train and produce officers and men capable of manning armoured equipment in the contemporary battle space in order to enable Armoured and Motorised Infantry Brigades build stronger well trained professional formations.
School Objectives
Produce officers and men who can ably operate armoured equipment in operations of war and operations other than war.
Produce officers and men with skills to foster harmony between the defence forces and the population, wherever deployed.
Produce officers and men capable of contributing to the National economy by engaging in productive activities.
Produce officers and men capable of rapidly responding in times of emergency and give Military Aid to Civil Authorities whenever called upon.
AWTS is comprised of a Headquarter and two wings (Tank and MOI) under the overall command of a Commandant deputised by a Chief Instructor, principle staff officers under the administrator and a guard section. Each wing is headed by a Senior Instructor.
Courses Offered
Tank Courses
AWTS has so far trained over 35 intakes of armour crews, technicians and commanders using both local and foreign instructors. The courses so far offered are;
- Battalion Command.
- Company Command.
- Platoon Command.
- Tank Crew.
- Tank Technical courses.
Motorised Infantry Courses
AWTS has so far trained over 17 intakes of commanders, crews and technicians covering both wheeled and tracked assets. Course offered are;
- Company Command.
- Platoon Command.
- Infantry Fighting Vehicles Crew Courses
- Infantry Fighting Vehicles technical courses.
Commandants
| Maj Paul Eswapu (Now Lt Col) | 2001 – 2006 |
| Col AK Kyazze (Now Brig) | 2006 – 2012 |
| Col JM Ssemwanga (Now Brig) | 2012 – 2013 |
| Brig FM Chemo | 2013 – incumbent |