President Museveni Urges NDC Graduates To Combine Elements For Strategic National Security
The President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, His Excellency Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has underscored the importance of understanding the linkages within the economy to effectively tackle Africa’s problems.
Speaking at the graduation of Intake 3/2024–2025 at the National Defence College – Uganda (NDC-U) in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District, President Museveni pointed out that Africa’s backwardness is largely due to the absence of correct ideology, philosophy, and strategy.
He commended the UPDF leadership for establishing the college, saying it helps close critical gaps necessary for waging successful wars and correcting past mistakes.
“You have to combine a number of elements to succeed in fighting, right from individual acts of a soldier to a group and finally to the administrative components (NDC),” he elaborated, and thus noted the need for combined arms exercises to defeat the enemy.
The President explained that strategic national security requires full preparation across all aspects of defence.
“Army can’t succeed without a stable economy, social services, or political environment,” he added.
He emphasised the need for a large and patriotic army that can capture and hold territory. He encouraged the NDC-U teaching staff to incorporate Uganda’s unique best practices in their lessons.
This third graduating cohort included 22 participants, among them two female officers and one civilian – a Principal Policy Analyst at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA)/UPDF.
Upon completion of their course in National Security and Strategic Studies, and under the authority granted to him by the Constitution and the laws governing the Defence Forces of Uganda, the President conferred the use of the symbol NDC to all graduands for use in official correspondence.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth, commended President Museveni for his unwavering support towards the Defence initiative of improving both personnel and infrastructure.
He highlighted the role of NDC-U in strengthening national security and governance through research and the development of relevant defence systems.
The Minister encouraged other Ministries Departments and Agencies to send their representatives to the college for a holistic approach to national security concerns.
He lauded the graduands for their dedication and resilience and urged them to remain disciplined officers.
“Anyone from NDC should never be found wanting anywhere. You have gone through the best and we expect the best,” he noted.
Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, welcomed the graduands to the ranks of those who speak for national security and thanked the President for his continued leadership.
“With your guidance, UPDF has grown and developed into a global force.”
He emphasised the value of the college in preparing leaders for modern strategic challenges.
“The college provides strategic security training for both military and civilian leaders,” he said, adding that UPDF remains a reliable force in the region hinged on its global relations and professionalism.
He cautioned the graduates against unethical conduct.
“Our biggest problem is not poverty but corruption because it disables the state, generates anger, and eats the future of other people,” emphasised the D/CDF.
The Commandant of NDC-U, Brig Gen Alex Olupot, thanked the Defence fraternity, teaching staff from MDAs and other institutions, and the local community for supporting the development of the college to greater heights.
He said, “The day is a huge milestone in the college’s journey, where participants diligently spent their time with a positive attitude and commitment not only to learn but also to share their experiences amongst themselves.”
He congratulated the course members for completing the National Security and Strategic Studies course and passing all exams in the first part of their Master’s in Security Strategy, offered in partnership with Makerere University. He urged them to complete their research papers to earn the full Master’s degree.
The Commandant commended the graduates’ readiness and ideological grounding and said that the college is sending out prepared, committed, and ideologically conscious senior officers who will contribute to securing Uganda’s future.
He extended appreciation to the spouses and families of the graduands for their perseverance and support during the past year.
Best Overall Student: Col Ronald Mulindwa
Second Best: Col Henry Obbo
Best in Research: Mr Ronnie Amoro
The National Defence College – Uganda prepares senior military and civil servants for strategic-level leadership and management responsibilities. It enhances defence diplomacy, promotes bilateral and regional cooperation, and contributes to national and regional stability.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Hon. Huda Oleru Abason (State Minister for Veterans Affairs), Hon. Diana Mutasingwa (State Minister in the Office of the Vice President and Woman MP for Buikwe District), and MODVA Permanent Secretary Mrs. Rosette Byengoma.
Also present were Lt Gen Charles Okidi (Commander Air Force), Maj Gen Richard Otto (Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security), Maj Gen Don Nabaasa (Joint Staff – Policy and Strategy), Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba (Chief Joint Staff), Maj Gen Ambrose Musinguzi (Joint Staff – Health Services), and Maj Gen Henry Masiko (Joint Staff – Political Commissariat), among others
