A momentous occasion happened at Makerere University’s 74th graduation ceremony, as 82 distinguished officers from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) showcased their academic achievements. Among them, veterans and emerging talents alike demonstrated their commitment to enhancing their intellectual capabilities across several domains, from defense strategies to medical sciences.
At the forefront of this celebration were graduates of the National Defence Course (NDC) and the prestigious Past Staff Course (PSC), marking a historic milestone for the UPDF as they received accolades from Makerere University for the first time. Notably, a pioneering group from NDC-U’s inaugural intake and veterans from intake 17 of the 2021-2022 session at the Senior Command and Staff College – Kimaka, showcased their mastery of diverse academic fields.
These include master’s degrees in security strategy (NDC-Uganda), defense and studies (Senior Command and Staff Course – SCSC Kimaka), and diplomas in strategy and warfare from SCSC. The Uganda Military Academy Kabamba’s officers also contributed to this academic feat, emphasizing a collective dedication to scholarly pursuits intertwined with national defense values.The collaboration between military institutions and Makerere University underscores a shared vision, fostering a modern, skilled, and proficient force equipped to tackle contemporary crime challenges.
This vision aligns with the strategic imperatives set forth by UPDF’s Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Yoweri Museveni.The graduation ceremony featured luminaries such as Brig. Gen. Dr. Stephen Kusasira, senior directing staff and head of research at NDC-U; Brig. Gen. Daniel Mugumya Kakono, commander of the Field Artillery Division in Masindi; and Brig. Gen. Flavia Byekwaso, Chief of Staff at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre in Jinja. The event also welcomed officers from neighboring Tanzania and Kenya, highlighting collaborative efforts in regional defense and security initiatives.
