Museveni Hails UPDF’s Role ⁢in National and african Security

‍⁤ Updated June 13,‍ 2025

President Yoweri Museveni has praised the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) for its contribution to security and⁤ stability in Africa through professional training initiatives. Speaking at the third graduation ceremony of⁤ the National Defence College-Uganda (NDCU) in ⁣Buikwe district, Museveni congratulated the UPDF for developing key institutions.

Museveni emphasized the importance of understanding the political economy of the world. He noted that failures in Africa ‍ofen stem from philosophical, strategic, and ideological mistakes, including a lack of understanding of the private sector, patriotism, and ⁣Pan-Africanism. He stressed that the UPDF’s ability to maintain peace in Uganda and⁤ contribute to neighboring countries’ security, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia,⁣ and south Sudan, is due ⁢to these attributes.

The graduating cohort consisted of 22⁤ individuals, including Brig. Gen. Charity Bainababo,Col. Betty Wanyera Musuya,and Mr.⁤ Ronnie Smurts Amoro, a Principal Policy Analyst in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA). Museveni‍ highlighted ⁤the NDC’s role in equipping commanders wiht knowledge in warfare, ‍administration, economics, politics, and social services, which are crucial for strategic security.

He also expressed satisfaction that traders are now advocating ⁣for East African integration to‍ facilitate trade in the region.

Brig. ⁣Gen. Alex Opolot Olupot,Commandant of NDC-U,stated that all course members successfully completed the National Security and strategic Studies course and passed the exams for their Master’s in ⁤Security ⁢Strategy program at Makerere University. They will now complete ⁢their research papers to receive their master’s degrees.

“I want to congratulate the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and UPDF for finally building a comprehensive infrastructure both human and ⁣physical, for the ⁣defence of Uganda and for contributing to the‍ security of Africa,” ⁤President ‍Museveni⁤ said.

Minister of‍ Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, underscored the role of⁣ the National Defence College-Uganda in strengthening national security⁢ and governance.He mentioned plans to establish a⁤ National Defence University to consolidate military professional trainings and internal capacity in research ⁤and innovation. The college also intends to admit course members from various ministries, departments, and agencies.

What’s next

the national Defence College-Uganda is in discussions with neighboring countries to acquire land for⁤ further advancement, aiming to enhance its infrastructure and expand its capacity to address complex security issues and contribute to national development.