President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni warned Ugandans against religious extremism during the 1st National Defence College (NDC) graduation on 18th Jan 2023.
During his address, President Museveni cautioned Ugandans and Africans to be vigilant of Western culture influence and religious extremism which can lead to terrorism.
“I want to caution all of you to be vigilant of these Western cultures and Religions. You do not have to be a White person to practice Christianity. I also urge you to avoid religious extremism, it’s what leads these young men to blow themselves up” President Museveni cautioned.
The President commissioned 18 Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) officers as they graduated today at the NDC in Buikwe district.
President Museveni also tasked the officers to fight corruption saying that it is the true enemy of Uganda.
“The army is moving well but I think you should emphasize the issue of corruption once you happen to be deployed. Make sure corruption which has been a problem in the civilian sector does not come to the army. We have had some cases of corruption. Corruption is very dangerous. If you steal fuel of the army, you steal supplies, you steal money, you are an enemy of the army. Corruption is not the future,” the President said.
The graduates who have been at the college for a year include nine (9) Generals and nine (9) colonels.
The commandant of NDC Maj. Gen Francis Okello, during the commissioning of the officers stated that all 18 graduates are expected to further their studies at Makerere University.
“All graduates are going to do a Master’s Program in Security at Makerere University which we expect to be completed by 2024,” Maj. Gen Okello said.
The college currently runs 2 courses; a Post Graduate Diploma in National Security Studies and a Masters in Security Strategy taught by Makerere University and have been accredited by the National Council for Higher Education. The course covers areas of policy formulation and analysis, strategic leadership, strategic planning and management, political economy, national and regional security studies, international relations, peace and security studies and defense resource management among others.
Among the graduates were Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso who was awarded with the Gold award for being an outstanding student. Col. Wycliffe Keita and Col. Edith Nakalema both got silver awards while Col. John Patrick Etong was awarded with the bronze award for outstanding performances.
Graduates on the Brig General level include Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago, Brig Gen David Isimbwa, Brig Gen Chris Ogwal, Brig Gen Peter Onzia Chandia, Brig Gen Mugumya Kakono and Brig Gen Chris Musinguzi.
The Colonels include Col. Deus Ndyabagye, Col. John Patrick Etong, Col. Ephraim Mugume, Col. Wyclif Keita, Col. Edith Nakalema, Col. Robert Mugabe and Col. Mawa Muhindo.
This was the first intake which was commissioned off since the opening of the college by H.E the President in a function that was held at the college’s grounds in Buikwe District in January, 2022.
