128 UPDF Officers, Civilian Staff Graduate in Defence and Security Studies From Makerere University

A total of 128 officers from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, alongside one civilian staff member from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, graduated with various academic awards from Makerere University. The graduates were drawn from the National Defence College–Uganda, the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka, and the Uganda Military Academy, Kabamba.

The awards included the Master of Security Strategy, Master of Defence and Security Studies, and Bachelor of Defence Studies.

In her message via Zoom, the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, commended the officers for their academic achievement and commitment to national service.

“Today we celebrate not only academic excellence but the transformation of lives and the shaping of our future,” she said.

She appreciated the graduates for prioritising education, saying that the knowledge and skills they had acquired would be critical in addressing the country’s security and development needs.

“As you step into a world that desperately needs your talent, energy and commitment to excellence, remember that more than anything, the world needs your character, integrity and service. We see new hope for our country in you. Go forth, make us proud and always remember that to whom much is given, much is expected.”

The Commandant of the National Defence College, Uganda, Brigadier General Alex Olupot, said the milestone reflects the UPDF’s structured professional military education system, which builds capacity from tactical to strategic levels of command.

“This graduation is important for human resource development in the UPDF. Our training institutions are designed to nurture officers with the capacity to serve from the operational level up to the strategic level, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the force,” he said.

Brig Gen Opolot expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Chief of Defence Forces, and the UPDF leadership for sustaining professional military education programmes.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Lt Col David Rusoke who graduated with a Master’s degree in Defence and Security Studies, said the course had broadened their understanding of global security dynamics and strategic planning.

“We have gained a deeper understanding of the world and of strategy in security. On behalf of my colleagues, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the UPDF for equipping us with knowledge that places us in a stronger position to serve our nation better,” he said.

Over the years, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces has maintained a strategic academic partnership with Makerere University, aimed at strengthening professional military education and aligning it with national and global standards. The collaboration has enabled officers to pursue accredited academic programmes while advancing their operational and strategic competencies.