“Joint Training Promotes Common Understanding Of Security Challenges,” State Defence Minister Tells Kimaka Graduands
The Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, Minister of State for Defence (Defence) observed today that joint training among sister militaries fosters a common understanding and approach to addressing international and cross-border challenges. These challenges, she explained, include terrorism, transnational crimes, natural disasters, cyber threats, and money laundering, amongst others.
Hon. Mateke made these remarks while officiating at the graduation ceremony of 50 Senior Officers from Course 19/23-24 at the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) Kimaka in Jinja City. This cohort has joined the ranks of 726 alumni Senior Officers who have graduated from the college, comprising personnel from the UPDF and militaries of sister states.
The Minister emphasised that Uganda’s future depends on its ability to address new, real, and perceived security demands and challenges. She reaffirmed the Defence Ministry’s commitment to ensuring national defence and security, which is crucial for the country’s social and economic transformation. “The Defence Ministry is charged with the capacity to confront both military and non-military threats and offers linkages between transnational and manpower efficiencies across borders for the sustainability of peace and stability,” she noted.
She emphasised the role of security in promoting economic growth and development. “Security is an important pillar of development which must be maintained to meet the changing security threats,” she noted.
She observed that SCSC Kimaka plays a vital role in the UPDF’s Human Capital Development, as outlined in the National Development Plan III. Additionally, she reminded the graduands that leadership is not solely about giving orders, but also about inspiring others. “I encourage you to make the most of what you have as you return and shape decisions for the good of the country,” she said.
The State Defence Minister praised the UPDF for remaining committed to upholding patriotism and Pan Africanism, noting that the knowledge and skills acquired will be invaluable in addressing complex security challenges. She also observed that modern security and defence challenges, as espoused by President Museveni, transcend national borders, necessitating cooperative responses that surpass territorial boundaries.
At the same event, Lt Gen Samuel Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces who represented the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, emphasised the importance of ongoing training to enhance the professionalisation and modernisation of the UPDF.
He expressed gratitude to President Museveni for providing training opportunities to military personnel, from the Kaweweta Recruit Training School to Bihanga and the National Defence College – Uganda, highlighting the establishment of the ‘Uganda National Military University’ as the next milestone. “After the acquisition of the university, we shall now have a complete training,” he added.
He stated that training equips graduands with the knowledge and skills to confront modern warfare challenges, and to develop strategies to address them at the national, regional, and international levels.
Lt Gen Okiding congratulated the graduands on their successful completion of the course, attributing their achievement to their demonstrated resilience and hard work throughout. “To emerge victorious in modern warfare, you need a shift from traditional to modern warfare,” he told jubilant graduands, further appreciating their spouses for keeping families together for the evident growth of the institution.
Maj Gen George Igumba, Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) Kimaka, extended his congratulations to the graduands, observing that the skills they have acquired will significantly enhance their ability to address the evolving global threats in the modern conflict landscape, which now necessitates a shift towards cyber warfare operations, leveraging artificial intelligence. “The past 47 weeks have been filled with learning and unlearning from the experiences you unreservedly shared amongst yourselves. I therefore implore you to accept any aorta of knowledge and use it to acquire more,” Maj Gen Igumba remarked to both graduands and invited guests.
He exhorted the graduands to embrace the future with courage, originality, and experience, remaining focused, committed, and disciplined.
The graduands received certificates of completion, and the State Defence Minister awarded them Passed Staff College ‘psc’ badges.
The best students also received prizes and daggers, while the Directing staff received ‘psc +’ awards.
Previously, on 25 June 2024, at State House Entebbe, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF urged the graduands to continue safeguarding the country against the politics of identity, which undermines prosperity, and instead embrace interests.
The graduands comprised Senior Officers from Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, and the host nation, Uganda.
In attendance were esteemed guests, including Lt Gen Charles Okidi, Commander UPDF Air Force; Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Joint Staff Political Commissariat; Maj Gen Don Nabasa, Commander 3 Infantry Division; Brig Gen David Gonyi, Chief of Staff UPDF Air Force; Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, Joint Staff Logistics; Brig Gen James Kinalwa, Joint Staff Human Resource Management; and other UPDF Generals and senior officers.
Additionally, diplomats, political and religious leaders, and external Directing staff, including Dr. SK Simba, Electoral Commissioner; Dr. Julius Omona; Dr. Phillip Kasaija; and Dr. Margaret Kaawa, were present.