Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged a new group of senior security officers to provide strategic leadership in safeguarding Uganda’s national security while contributing to the country’s long-term development and Africa’s growing influence on the global stage. His remarks came during the graduation ceremony of 21 officers who successfully completed the National Security and Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College in Buikwe District.
Addressing the graduates, President Museveni congratulated them on completing the advanced program and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and leadership skills they had acquired in service of the nation. He emphasized that strategic thinking and responsible leadership are essential for protecting national interests, strengthening institutions, and promoting sustainable development.
“We must provide strategic leadership in safeguarding our country’s security and development,” President Museveni said, calling on the graduates to approach their new responsibilities with professionalism, discipline, and a long-term vision for Uganda’s future.
The President highlighted the importance of building comprehensive national defense capabilities, noting that modern security requires preparedness across multiple domains. He stressed that African countries should continue strengthening their capacity on land, in the air, at sea, and in space in order to protect their sovereignty and contribute to regional stability.
According to President Museveni, a secure nation must also be economically strong. He explained that prosperity and wealth creation are fundamental pillars of lasting peace and national security, encouraging policymakers and security leaders to support initiatives that expand economic opportunities alongside strengthening defense institutions. “To build a strong centre of gravity for Africa, we must strengthen our defence capabilities on land, in the air, at sea and in space. At the same time, we must prioritise wealth creation because prosperity is the foundation of security,” he stated.
The graduation ceremony marked another milestone in Uganda’s efforts to prepare senior military and security leaders for increasingly complex national, regional, and international security challenges. The National Defence College provides advanced strategic education designed to equip senior officers with the analytical, leadership, and policy skills required to address evolving security threats while supporting national development objectives.
President Museveni concluded by wishing the graduates success in their future assignments, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained during the course would enable them to make meaningful contributions to Uganda’s security, institutional development, and the broader goal of promoting peace and stability across the African continent. His message underscored the government’s view that effective security leadership and economic transformation are complementary priorities that together strengthen national resilience and support sustainable development.
