The second cohort at the National Defence College-Uganda (NDC-U), who are undertaking national security and strategic studies, visited the Makerere University (MAK) Library yesterday, June 16th, 2023, to familiarize themselves with the operations of the library, which will support them with reading resources for their course and research.
The visit was also aimed at enhancing collaboration between MAK and NDC-U.
According to Maj Gen Francis Okello, the Commandant of NDC-U, the course being taken at NDC-U is a strategic course covering topics like management, national security, policy, and research in order to prepare the course participants for strategic leadership roles in the nation.
He added that the course attracts officers from various units of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, starting with the rank of Colonel and above, officers from sister security forces, and civilians with the position of Commissioner and above.
Maj. Gen. Okello expressed gratitude to university leadership for their continued collaboration with NDC-U, allowing the Defense College to use the university library to carry out research and also offering an opportunity to NDC-U course members to pursue a master’s program.
“We appreciate MAK for partnering with us to conduct a Masters of Security at Makerere University and also allowing our course members to use the best library in Africa. That means we shall get the best content that shall be beneficial to us in our military career,” said Maj. Gen. Okello.
Prof. Hellen Byamugisha, the Makerere University Librarian, appreciated the good working relationship with NDC-U, echoed that MAK has the best library in Africa and assured her visitors of getting the best services.
‘’We appreciate the good working relationship you have with us; we promise to offer the best for UPDF because you are a pillar of the state, without you, we would not stand to operate,” Byamugisha said.
NDC is the highest institution of military learning that was commissioned by H.E. Gen. (Rtd.) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in January 2022, and its first intake graduated in January 2023 as the graduates proceeded with their second year of the master’s degree program at MAK.
The NDC-U’s second intake, which began on June 2, 2023, consists of 21 members, one of whom is a public servant at the level of a commissioner.