President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has commended the UPDF for its pivotal role in ensuring regional stability through strategic, professional training programmes.
Presiding over the third graduation ceremony of the National Defence College–Uganda (NDC-U) in Buikwe District, President Museveni lauded the UPDF and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for establishing key defence institutions that previously did not exist.
“I congratulate the NRM and UPDF for building a comprehensive human and physical infrastructure for Uganda’s defence and contributing to Africa’s security,” he said.
However, the President emphasised the importance of continuously reviewing the curriculum to ensure it reflects the political economy of the modern world. He noted that many of Africa’s challenges stem from strategic, philosophical, and ideological missteps, particularly the failure to grasp concepts such as the role of the private sector, patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and sustainable military development.
“These gaps have prevented many African nations from achieving lasting peace. UPDF has succeeded where others have struggled, not only keeping peace in Uganda but exporting it to countries like the DRC, Somalia, and South Sudan—largely without external funding,” he added.
The third cohort of the college included 22 graduates—among them two female officers, Brig Gen Charity Bainababo, Col Betty Wanyera Musuya, and one civilian, Mr Ronnie Smurts Amoro, a Principal Policy Analyst in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA). They completed the National Security and Strategic Studies (NDC) Course, part of a Master’s programme in Security Strategy run in partnership with Makerere University.
President Museveni underscored the importance of integrated knowledge across domains—military, political, economic, and social services—for effective defence leadership.
“You must understand the concept of combined arms. It’s about synchronising infantry, air force, armoured units, reconnaissance, communication—everything. That synergy is essential,” he stressed.
He also expressed satisfaction with growing public support for East African integration, particularly from traders advocating for better cross-border infrastructure to enhance regional commerce.
Brig Gen Alex Opolot Olupot, Commandant of NDC-U, confirmed that all graduates successfully passed the initial phase of the Master’s in Security Strategy and will proceed with their research projects. He thanked the Ministry of Defence and UPDF leadership for their continued support and guidance.
NDC-U currently offers two complementary programs: the 11-month National Security and Strategic Studies (NSSS) course and the two-year Master of Security Strategy (MASS), which is offered in collaboration with Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), which is accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon Jacob Oboth Oboth, highlighted NDC-U’s growing role in building capable and informed national security leaders amidst evolving global threats.
“The college fosters a culture of collaboration and strategic thinking among Uganda’s decision-makers. Our military education system is now robust, offering training from certificates up to Master’s level. We’re working towards establishing a National Defence University to consolidate this progress,” he announced.
He further noted plans to begin enrolling course participants from various ministries, departments, and agencies, and revealed ongoing negotiations to acquire additional land for expanding NDC-U’s infrastructure.
Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), described the college as vital for preparing leaders capable of addressing complex security and development challenges.
“Through your visionary leadership, Your Excellency, Uganda has made great strides. This institution will continue to shape leaders who think strategically and act decisively,” he said, urging graduates to confront national challenges such as corruption head-on.
During the ceremony, outstanding performers were recognised. Col Ronald Mulindwa Nangamba received the overall award for leadership and academic excellence, followed by Col Henry Okumu Obbo. Mr Ronnie Smurts Amoro was honoured for his impactful research on health service delivery and national security, while Col Nicholas Humble Nyesiga was commended for his paper on African peace and security architecture.
Established on 14th November 2021 and officially inaugurated on 28th January 2022 by President Museveni, NDC-U began its inaugural course on 31st January 2022. It was founded as a key formation within the UPDF to enhance national and regional security leadership.
The event was attended by key officials, including the Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs, Hon Huda Oleru; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Ms. Rosette Byengoma; Hon. Diana Mutasingwa, Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President and Woman MP for Buikwe District; along with UPDF commanders and senior officers.
