Maj Gen Okello Honoured For Transforming Uganda’s Top Military College

Maj Gen Francis Okello has been hailed for his pivotal role in establishing and developing the National Defence College – Uganda (NDC-U) into the country’s premier institution for strategic military education.

The commendation came from Deputy Commander Land Force, Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, during a handover ceremony in which Maj Gen Okello officially passed command to Brig Gen Alex Olupot. The event was held at the NDC-U campus in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District. “You took on the responsibility of building NDC-U from nothing. Amidst challenges, you applied NRA principles to fulfil a historical mission and turned it into the state-of-the-art institution we see today. That is your legacy,” said Maj Gen Takirwa.

He praised Maj Gen Okello, the pioneer commandant, for laying a firm foundation for the college, noting that the handover signified a key milestone in its evolution. “This is the first command transition at Uganda’s highest military learning institution. It reflects peaceful continuity, and just as Maj Gen Okello has passed on the baton, Brig Gen Olupot will one day do the same. No one holds a public office forever.”

Acknowledging Okello’s dedication, Maj Gen Takirwa expressed confidence in the new leadership. “He has served the military diligently and is retiring with valuable experience. We believe he will continue contributing to national development, especially in the civilian sector. I encourage the incoming commandant to follow his example.”

In his farewell address, Maj Gen Okello expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni and the UPDF leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility. “I thank His Excellency and the UPDF leadership for choosing me among many competent officers to pioneer NDC-U. I have overseen its development from inception in July 2022 to what it is today,” he said.

He took pride in concluding his military service at the institution he helped establish, noting that three intakes had already been completed.

Brig Gen Olupot, the incoming commandant, pledged to uphold and build upon his predecessor’s accomplishments. “I’m honoured to be selected among many capable officers to lead this prestigious institution. I acknowledge the remarkable work done by my predecessor and pledge to build on his legacy to further the growth of NDC-U,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by senior faculty and staff, including Brig Gen Kefa Nangeso, Brig Gen David Tweheyo, Brig Gen Steven Kusasira, Prof Murindwa Rutanga, Brig Gen Emmanuel Kazahura, Brig Gen Johnson Niwamanya, Col Ephraim Mugume, Col Sylvia Meeme, and various departmental heads from NDC-U.