The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon Jacob Oboth, has reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to the welfare and professional development of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.
He made the remarks yesterday while officiating at the graduation ceremony of 52 officers who completed the Grade II Command and Staff Course at the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka in Jinja City.
Minister Oboth said the milestone not only marked a personal achievement for the graduates but also a critical turning point in their military careers.
He emphasised that the presence of regional participants at the college demonstrates the spirit of integration and shapes the strategic future of the region’s armed forces and commended students from allied countries for their discipline and perseverance, saying their contribution continues to strengthen professional values across militaries.
He applauded the President and Commander-in-Chief Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unwavering support and visionary leadership, which he said continues to transform the country and its defence institutions.
While speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Commander of the Air Force, Lt Gen Charles Okidi, congratulated the officers for their sacrifice and encouraged the officers to continue improving themselves in a rapidly changing global environment and challenged them to meet and exceed the expectations of the institution and the public.
“You’ve been trained to operate in any environment. As middle-level commanders, always fight with integrity. Integrity first, integrity always. With it, you can reach the highest peak. Lt Gen Okidi said.
He encouraged the officers to continue improving themselves in a rapidly changing global environment and challenged them to meet and exceed the expectations of the institution and the public.
The Commandant of Senior Command and Staff College, Brig Gen Michael Kabango, congratulated the graduates and praised the defence fraternity for its continued support to the college and noted that the course was designed to prepare commanders for the complexities of contemporary and future operations, which often go beyond traditional military boundaries.
Brig Gen Kabango pointed out that the current and future engagements transcend physical borders with policy and strategy now shape the global security landscape and encouraged graduates to let the knowledge and experience gained during the course energise their future roles and regional networks.
“Make an impact. Create a difference as you navigate the challenges ahead,” He added.
Brig Gen Kabango recognised academic partners such as Makerere University, Uganda Management Institute, and Kyambogo University for their valuable contributions to the professional development of military officers and said that graduates are now eligible to use the designation “PSC” in official communication, signifying their completion of the prestigious course.
The class included 41 students from Uganda, and 11 from allied countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania which had 2 participants and Malawi that provided only one trainee.
The top and best performers included Maj Anthony Kamoga who was the Best Overall Student, Maj Dr PE Mollel who was the Best Allied Student, Maj Jacklyn Nakayenze who was the Best in Research and Lt Col Nsengiyunva who was the Best in Commandant’s Research Paper and each received an award for their achievements.
The ceremony was also attended by Senior Military officials who included Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, the Joint Staff – Human Resource Maj Gen James Kinalwa, the Commandant Emeritus Maj Gen George Igumba, the Joint Staff – Finance Brig Gen Robert Mugabe, the Chief Executive Officer Wazalendo Brig Gen Fred Onata, the Commandant of Junior Staff College Brig Gen Chris Ogwal and Defence Attachés from Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda.
