The National Forensic Sciences University (India), Uganda Campus, has graduated its pioneer class of 12 students with Postgraduate Diplomas in Homeland Security.
The graduates include nine Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces personnel, two civilian students and one international student from Botswana.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, congratulated the graduates on making history as the first cohort of the Ugandan campus.
“Today belongs to you. You have made history as the pioneer graduates of this campus in Uganda. You are not simply graduating from this university; you are becoming the first ambassadors of this institution and pioneers of a new generation of forensic and security professionals,” he said.
Minister Kiryowa described the establishment of NFSU in Uganda as a significant milestone in the longstanding and brotherly relationship between Uganda and India and reaffirmed the Ministry’s and UPDF’s continued support for the university.
The High Commissioner of India to Uganda, H.E. Upender Rawat Singh, said forensic science plays a critical role in improving investigations, supporting prosecutors, protecting the innocent and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
He said the partnership between the two countries seeks to build sustainable Ugandan capacity through professional training, laboratories, research and curriculum development.
The Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Maj Gen Keita, said the graduation represented the first practical outcome of a strategic vision championed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, with the support of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“National Forensic Sciences University is not simply another academic institution. It is a strategic capability-building partner, and today’s graduation demonstrates the practical value of that partnership,” Maj Gen Keita said.
Air Commodore K.R. Thaakar, the Director of NFSU, thanked President Museveni for facilitating the establishment and authorisation of the university’s operations in Uganda in 2021.
He said the university had revised its curriculum to equip students with practical and multidisciplinary knowledge to address emerging security threats, including those involving technology.
The ceremony was attended by Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko; Chief of Staff – Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC), Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, and officials from sister security agencies and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
