Kyabazinga urges military leaders to master culture as strategic asset

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The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, has called on senior military officers to embrace cultural awareness as a strategic tool for peace and security, describing it as the intelligence of the human terrain.

His message was delivered by the Busoga kingdom’s second deputy prime minister, Osman Ahmed Noor, during the cultural gala of Course Intake 21 for the 2025 to 2026 academic year at the Senior Command and Staff College in Kimaka, Jinja city, on January 10, 2026.

Held under the theme, "Harnessing our Social, Political, Economic and Cultural Diversities for Africa's Security," the gala transformed the elite military college into a vibrant showcase of Africa’s cultural heritage.

The event underscored the role of cultural understanding in promoting regional stability and effective military leadership.

Addressing defence attachés and senior officers from across Africa, the Kyabazinga emphasised that modern warfare and peacekeeping require more than technical proficiency.

"True leadership requires more than an understanding of tactics and logistics; it requires an understanding of our people," the Kyabazinga’s message read.

"This gala is not a diversion from your studies; it is a critical component of them. To command effectively and build peace, you must understand the cultural context in which you operate," he stated.

Busoga Kingdom's Second Deputy Prime Minister Alhaji Osman Ahmed Noor (right) receiving a book authored by Lt. Col. Kejem Ntombizodwa (left) from South Africa while at the Senior Command and Staff College Kimaka Cultural Gala of Course Intake 21 2025/2026 at the College on January 10th.

The monarch highlighted the complementary roles of traditional institutions and the military, noting that both are custodians of trust responsible for social cohesion and the welfare of the people.

The deputy commandant and chief instructor of the Senior Command and Staff College, Brig. Gen. Elvis Byamukama, who represented the Commandant, Brig. Gen. Michael Kabanga echoed these sentiments.

He expressed appreciation for 2nd deputy premier Noor’s presence and conveyed respect to the Kyabazinga.

Byamukama highlighted the role of the Busoga kingdom in preserving culture and promoting unity, noting that this aligns with the college’s mission.

"The home country presentations, the cultural gala, and the static displays are structured learning activities that reinforce student officers' understanding of their own and each other's countries," Byamukama stated.

He commended Course 21 for effectively blending research, strategic analysis and cultural presentations.

Brig. Gen. Byamukama further noted that Course 21, which comprises officers from Burundi, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan and Tanzania, uses these activities to analyse the geography, politics and security outlooks of their respective nations.

"Diversity, when properly understood and managed, is a strategic strength rather than a source of division," he said.

He also thanked the Indian military advisory and training team, represented by Brig. Gen. N.V. Nanjundeshwara, for its continued support in grooming Africa’s future operational leaders.

The gala featured an inspection of cultural stalls led by Brig. Gen. Byamukama and Noor. Student officers showcased cultural artefacts, traditional attire, food and performances from various Ugandan regions and allied nations, highlighting Africa’s rich diversity.

Maj. Norah Ongodia, a student and team leader for the North Eastern Uganda stall, presented aspects of Karamojong culture, including preserved foods for dry seasons, traditional brews used in naming ceremonies and cultural dances.

"We have unique food, and we shall expect you to come over and share with us," Ongodia said, while explaining the evolution of traditional attire such as the suka due to modernisation, as well as the multifunctional use of sticks for hunting, protection and herding.

Other exhibitions included the Central Uganda stall led by Maj. Joachim Bukenya, with Col Dr Henry Kyobe heading the Central Buganda display, Maj. David Makoba at the Eastern Region stall, Lt Col Lino Owiny leading the Northern Uganda stall, and Maj. Cornelius Kakari and Maj. Muhoro presenting at the Kenyan stall.

Performances by Rwanda’s Amaraba Dancing Group added energy to the event, while Lt Col Kejem Ntombizodwa from South Africa shared insights from his book titled ‘The Suites’, which explores themes of honour, resilience and transformation from South Africa to Uganda.

The event concluded with a call for student officers to carry the cultural competence gained at Kimaka into their future roles as military leaders and diplomats, ensuring that their strategic decisions are informed by cultural understanding as well as tactical expertise.

Among the attendees were Brig. Gen. N.V. Nanjundeshwara, head of the indian military advisory and training team; Brig. Gen. Alex Opolot Olupot, commandant of the National Defence College; Brig. Gen. Earnest Nuwagaba, commander of the Rapid Deployment Capability; Air Commodore K.R. Thaakar, commander of the National Forensic Sciences University in Uganda; representatives from sister security organisations; defence attachés from Burundi, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan and Tanzania; as well as local exhibitors and members of the media.