Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) commercial arm, National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), has ventured into private security services under the National Enterprise Corporation Security Services Limited (NSSL).
On Friday, Brig Gen Godfrey Muwanguzi, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Reserve Forces Central Commander, passed out the first cohort of trainees at the Katuugo Training School in Nakasongola district.
He asked the trainees to be honest if they were to access employment opportunities in the security sector.
He implored graduates not to extort money from unsuspecting clients.
Graduates, he said, should be contented with their pay and avoid accusing people falsely as they do their guard duties. “Do not extort money and don’t accuse people falsely. Be content with your pay,” Brig Gen Muwanguzi said.
He added that the historical pass-out is a dream come true as it will complement other security services already existing in the country like the police and auxiliary guards.
“You have come to complement others. Use your earlier experience while serving UPDF and stick to the integrity of the nation you are going to serve,” he noted.
Brig Gen Muwanguzi further cautioned graduands not to be trigger happy, adding that they are retired but not tired as evidenced during live firing of plates and foot drill demonstrations.
Before the official pass-out pronouncement, Brig Gen Muwanguzi, warned graduands against promiscuity, urging them to keep healthy to get wealth.
Col Moses, the NEC Security Services Limited (NSSL) General Manager, noted the importance of utilizing veterans to protect critical infrastructure.
He said that the first Intake of high-quality graduates will contribute to national security and economic development by offering integrated security services that have a bearing on national security like commerce, telecom and other infrastructure.
To the graduates, he urged them to be good ambassadors and avoid ideological disorientation. “You have received all the training, go out and shine,” he said.
The Commandant of Katuugo Training School Lt Col Gracias Birakwate, congratulated the 98 trainees where 8 are females. He urged them to remain disciplined and resilient.
Graduates of Intake 1/2023 acquired skills in marksmanship, field craft, VIP protection, basic fire fighting, physical drills, political education, radio communication and customer care, among others.
The best overall student was Pte Muyingo Richard, the best in academics was WOII Omara Mohamed, the best in the field was Sgt Mutungo James and Pte Namuyonga Madina emerged best in endurance.
These received gifts from the Chief Guest in honour of their exceptional performance.