President Yoweri Museveni on Saturday June 1, presided over the passing out of 21 senior army officers who successfully completed their one-year course. These attained knowledge aims relevant skills in the National Security Strategic Studies (NSSS) from the National Defence College located in Njeru municipality, Buikwe district.
The president applauded the Defence Colleges in the country for undertaking the professionalism of the army officers to promote the country’s security. He said the training schools are exposures of everything and pledged to make them centers of excellence.
“The Uganda’s defence colleges are attracting other individuals from foreign countries. They come from different to study from here and they are paying for these facilities,” he added.
The 21 graduates joined the college on June 5, 2023, and successfully completed their course on June 1, 2024. These included two lady officers, a member of parliament and a civilian who is an Assistant Commissioner in the MoDVA, which the commandant highlighted that the mix provided a rich and diverse source for discussions.
Maj Gen Francis Okello, the college commandant, said the senior officers showcased diligent and positive attitude and commitment not only to learn but also to share experiences amongst themselves.
“Today marks another huge milestone in the journey of the college. We are graduating another cohort who diligently spent their time here with a very positive attitude and commitment not only to learn but also to share experiences amongst themselves,” said Maj Gen FB Okello. F
“I am happy to report that all NDC course members successfully completed the National Security and strategic studies course (the NDC Course) and have also passed all the exams of the first part of their Masters in Security Strategy programme of Makerere University and will, after leaving NDC continue to complete their research paper for awards of the Masters degree,” he said.
He added that; “The success we are registering today in sending out these prepared, committed and ideologically conscious senior officers to make their contribution in securing Uganda’s future is because of all your collective efforts.”
In his remarks, however, Museveni launched what he termed corruption fight against individuals in the public service, politicians and some ‘crooks’ in the UPDF.
“I am here at NDC Uganda to launch the fight for corruption. The politicians and those in the public service have eaten up our country because they are corrupts. In fact it is easy to deal with these people because it is just a small group of people,” said Museveni.
Museveni threatens to crash all those involved in the scandals that sabotage the security and economic growth of the country.
“We are ready to crash everyone. If a leave falls in tea we just remove it but if a fly falls in the tea, we shall pour it. The corrupts are the flies and we shall pour them always,” Museveni threatened.
He said the rampant corruption has triggered people to seek foreign aid which he stressed that Uganda can live a sustainable life.
“If I hear one talking of aid, I just go and sleep. The country doesn’t want foreign aid, but the problem is you the corrupts. The UPDF is somehow good but it has a few and we shall finish up them,” he said.
The National Defence College- Uganda was established by H.E president Museveni in November 2021. It is a premier and inter-service government learning institution under the minister of defence and Veteran affairs (MoDVA) mandated to provide professional joint defence and security sector education at the strategic level.
The college prepares senior military officers, national security professionals, and future leaders, including those from the relevant civilian fields in understanding broader strategic security environment and public policy issues and how to manage these issues at strategic level.
Participants are awarded certificates in national security strategic studies (NSSS) and a national defence college – Uganda badge. The NSSS runs for 11 months while the Masters of Security Strategy (MASS) takes only two years.
Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the deputy Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) said the NDC is tasked with such responsibilities of training senior officers as envisioned by the government.
He described the NDC as the leading military training institute in Uganda who can ably shape leaders that can potentially address security challenges. That is an achievement to us as the UPDF.
“Your Excellency, we have since had infantry trainings and institutions but today we are standing at the National Defence College,” he said before praising president Museveni for establishing defence colleges that strengthen the national security.
The college looks forward to the support of MoDVA and all key stakeholders in the upcoming next phase of the expansion of the college including in infrastructure, facilities and additional key staff, as the college consolidates itself as a premier institution of learning on defence and national issues in line with broader professionalisation process of the UPDF.
Among the senior officers graduated include Bri Gen Joseph Balukudembe, Brig Gen Peter Nabasa, Col John Winston Mugarura, Col Edward Ronald Mutaawe, Col Keneth Muheireand Col Christopher Kyanku. Others are Col Juddy Rukubya, Col David Opeero, Col Richard Walekula, Col Jackson Pande Kajuba and Col Samuel Alex Wabuyi.
Col Christopher Tumwine, Col Paul Muwonge, Col Sylvia Meeme Lutalo, Col Madans Kagumira, Col Victoria Nekesa (UPDF legislator), and Col Ronald Kagenyi. Col Paddy Ankunda, Col Franco Othome Ogwanga, Col Collin Mbaga Nkasiibwe and Mr Arthur Kamya received certificates of award issues by the state minister for MoDVA, Hon Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke.
