The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, has reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to the welfare and professional development of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
He made the remarks while officiating at the graduation ceremony of 52 officers who completed the Grade II Command and Staff Course (20/24–25) at the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC), Kimaka, in Jinja.
Hon. Oboth said the milestone not only marked a personal achievement for the graduates but also a critical turning point in their military careers.
“You now carry a higher responsibility to your nation,” he told the graduates. “This course is a call to think critically, not to react impulsively.”
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. He commended students from allied countries for their discipline and perseverance, saying their contribution continues to strengthen professional values across militaries.
The Minister urged graduates to emulate the courage and honour of the original 27 NRA fighters, who laid down their lives for Uganda’s liberation.
He applauded the President and Commander-in-Chief, H.E. Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unwavering support and visionary leadership, which he said continues to transform the country and its defence institutions.
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 commitment.
“You’ve been trained to operate in any environment,” said Lt Gen Okidi. “As middle-level commanders, always fight with integrity. Integrity first, integrity always. With it, you can reach the highest peak.”
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 SCSC, Brig Gen Michael Kabango, also congratulated the graduates and praised the defence fraternity for its continued support to the college. He noted that the course was designed to prepare commanders for the complexities of contemporary and future operations, which often go beyond traditional military boundaries.
“Current and future engagements transcend physical borders. Policy and strategy now shape the global security landscape,” Brig Gen Kabango said. He 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.
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: Burundi (2), Kenya (2), Malawi (1), Rwanda (2), South Sudan (2), and Tanzania (2).
Top performers included Maj Anthony Kamoga (Best Overall Student), Maj Dr PE Mollel (Best Allied Student), Maj Jacklyn Nakayenze (Best in Research), and Lt Col M. Nsengiyunva (Best in Commandant’s Research Paper). Each received an award for their achievements.
The ceremony was also attended by senior military officials, including Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, Maj Gen James Kinalwa (Joint Staff – Human Resource), Maj Gen Robert Mugabe (Joint Staff – Finance), Maj Gen George Igumba (Commandant Emeritus), Brig Gen Fred Onata (CEO Wazalendo), Brig Gen Chris Ogwal (Commandant, Junior Staff College), and Defence Attachés from Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda.
