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Museveni reiterates call for Africa's economic and political integration
"If you want to defend Africa, I can think of three points. The economy of Uganda must undergo socio-economic transformation, whereby all the peasants and the bayaaye must disappear and we have a new society. If not, we shall not be able to defend Africa," Museveni said.
Museveni also reiterated his long-standing advocacy for the East African Federation and broader African economic and political integration, arguing that fragmented states cannot adequately defend themselves in the modern security environment.
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
BUIKWE - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has renewed his call for the economic and political integration of Africa, describing it as essential for guaranteeing the continent's long-term strategic security and defence capabilities.
This was while he presided over the graduation of 20 senior military officers at the National Defence College-Uganda (NDC-U) in Njeru, Buikwe district on Friday.
One public servant from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs also graduated after completing the prestigious strategic leadership course.
Museveni challenged the graduates to champion policies that strengthen Uganda's socio-economic transformation while advancing continental integration.
Museveni challenged the graduates to champion policies that strengthen Uganda's socio-economic transformation while advancing continental integration.
"If you want to defend Africa, I can think of three points. The economy of Uganda must undergo socio-economic transformation, whereby all the peasants and the bayaaye must disappear and we have a new society. If not, we shall not be able to defend Africa," he said.
He explained that socio-economic transformation can only be achieved by ensuring every citizen joins the money economy through four productive sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, services, and information and communication technology (ICT).
"Everybody must get education in literacy, numeracy and skills. Once you have done that, the economy will grow and we shall be richer."
Museveni also reiterated his long-standing advocacy for the East African Federation and broader African economic and political integration, arguing that fragmented states cannot adequately defend themselves in the modern security environment.
"If we achieve the East African Federation, no one can defeat us because we shall have access to the sea, develop a navy, strengthen our air force and build a bigger economy.
"We shall develop the capacity to defend ourselves on land, in the air, at sea and in space."
The President said countries such as the United States, China, Russia and India have invested heavily in advanced strategic capabilities, including space technology.
Sh50 billion pledge
To further strengthen strategic military education, President Museveni pledged sh50 billion towards the expansion and modernisation of the defence college (NDC-U).
Defence state miister Grace Akifeza Ngabirano described the graduation as a reflection of President Museveni's unwavering commitment to strategic leadership development, professional military education and national security excellence.
"I also wish to express my special appreciation to Your Excellency and to the Chief of Defence Forces for the significant steps taken to improve the welfare of UPDF personnel through salary enhancements, improved accommodation and continued infrastructure development across barracks and training institutions," she said.
"These are clear demonstrations of your commitment to building a motivated, professional and capable force."
"If we achieve the East African Federation, no one can defeat us because we shall have access to the sea, develop a navy, strengthen our air force and build a bigger economy.
"We shall develop the capacity to defend ourselves on land, in the air, at sea and in space."
The President said countries such as the United States, China, Russia and India have invested heavily in advanced strategic capabilities, including space technology.
Sh50 billion pledge
To further strengthen strategic military education, President Museveni pledged sh50 billion towards the expansion and modernisation of the defence college (NDC-U).
Defence state miister Grace Akifeza Ngabirano described the graduation as a reflection of President Museveni's unwavering commitment to strategic leadership development, professional military education and national security excellence.
"I also wish to express my special appreciation to Your Excellency and to the Chief of Defence Forces for the significant steps taken to improve the welfare of UPDF personnel through salary enhancements, improved accommodation and continued infrastructure development across barracks and training institutions," she said.
"These are clear demonstrations of your commitment to building a motivated, professional and capable force."
CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's deputy, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, represented him at the ceremony.
He commended the President for providing the leadership that has transformed the UPDF into a modern, professional, capable and ideologically grounded force.
"I congratulate all the graduates of Cohort Four, their families and their respective institutions for this remarkable achievement."
The Commandant of NDC-U, Brig. Gen. Alex Olupot, said Museveni's presence underscores the strategic importance that the Government of Uganda attaches to professional military education, national security and the development of strategic leaders.
He said the ceremony represented much more than the award of academic qualifications.
"It is a celebration of intellectual growth, national service and leadership transformation."
NDC-U was established four years ago to prepare senior military officers, public servants and selected foreign participants for leadership at the highest strategic levels.
Cohort Four initially admitted 22 participants: three brigadier generals, 18 colonels and one civilian officer from the defence ministry.
One participant withdrew midway due to strategic considerations.
Throughout the programme, participants undertook advanced studies in strategic studies, research and policy analysis, participated in national study programmes and completed international study tours in Nigeria and Algeria.
Friday's graduation recognised outstanding academic performance, with Brig. Gen. Joseph Freddy Onnata and Col David Okumu emerging as the best overall students.
He commended the President for providing the leadership that has transformed the UPDF into a modern, professional, capable and ideologically grounded force.
"I congratulate all the graduates of Cohort Four, their families and their respective institutions for this remarkable achievement."
The Commandant of NDC-U, Brig. Gen. Alex Olupot, said Museveni's presence underscores the strategic importance that the Government of Uganda attaches to professional military education, national security and the development of strategic leaders.
He said the ceremony represented much more than the award of academic qualifications.
"It is a celebration of intellectual growth, national service and leadership transformation."
NDC-U was established four years ago to prepare senior military officers, public servants and selected foreign participants for leadership at the highest strategic levels.
Cohort Four initially admitted 22 participants: three brigadier generals, 18 colonels and one civilian officer from the defence ministry.
One participant withdrew midway due to strategic considerations.
Throughout the programme, participants undertook advanced studies in strategic studies, research and policy analysis, participated in national study programmes and completed international study tours in Nigeria and Algeria.
Friday's graduation recognised outstanding academic performance, with Brig. Gen. Joseph Freddy Onnata and Col David Okumu emerging as the best overall students.