Mbale leaders told to prioritise security
Nov 16, 2023
“Lack of security threatens us physically and our well-being, including emotionally. Insecurity can be physical and/or socio-economic, including health threats,” Okello said.
Okello said security is key and touches all aspects of life, according to a press statement released on Thursday, November 16.
Umar Kashaka
Journalist @New Vision
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The commandant of the National Defence College-Uganda (NDC-U), Maj. Gen. Francis Okello has challenged leaders in Mbale City and the entire district to play an active role in ensuring security in the area.
He said security is key and touches all aspects of life, according to a press statement released on Thursday, November 16.
“Lack of security threatens us physically and our well-being, including emotionally. Insecurity can be physical and/or socio-economic, including health threats,” Okello said.
He made the remarks during an engagement between NDC-U course members who are on a research tour across the country and leaders from Mbale City and Mbale District at the district headquarters.
“Being secure is being free from threats or danger and we must all be ready to play our part by engaging in and supporting government policies, programs, and interventions including mobilisation, to make ourselves, our families our societies, and our country secure,” Okello said. 
He noted that national security is not only about the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and Uganda Police providing physical security, but it is also about every Ugandan knowing and playing his or her role, and where appropriate contributing to some kind of productive economic activity.
Okello remarked that the strategic reason the government encourages investments in economic ventures and institutes strategic programs like the Youth Livelihood Program and the Parish Development Model (PDM), is to create jobs and uplift the economic livelihood, improve household income and welfare of society.
“PDM is a ‘vehicle’ that has direct and indirect implications and contributions to national security. Increases in household income could translate into increased purchasing power, leading to indirect revenue due to increased consumer spending.
These positive effects create a more peaceful and socio-economically satisfied society appreciative of government services,” he said.
The Resident City Commissioner (RDC) of Mbale City, John Rex Achilla, said he was glad that UPDF established NDC-U for national security and strategic leadership practitioners who will be doing research from the grassroots for policy formulation and providing ideas that can support or improve better service delivery.
Naome Nakawala, the Mbale Deputy Resident District Commissioner, congratulated the President and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Yoweri Museveni, for building a professional army as he promised in his election manifesto.
“Training is one way of professionalization and NDC-U is a clear manifestation that UPDF is now professional,” she said.
This is the second cohort of course members by the NDC-U since its inception in 2021.
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