Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) is in the final stages of establishing a National Defense Collage – Uganda, an irrefutable source says.
“It is the highest notch level training for Defence/military/ Strategic/ Policy level with Lenses to National Strategic security interests. We didn’t have one. Those who did it trained abroad. It recruits from the rank of Colonel upwards,” a deep-throat source confirms with authority.
The College will be situated at Njeru, Buikwe.
“UPDF bought the camp that constructed the Nile Bridge from Zenitaka Japan / UNRA,” adds the source.
The source says the establishment is in consultation with the Chief of Defense Force (CDF) Gen Wilson Mbadi Masu, Gen. Francis Okello, Gen. Lakara and Gen Sam Kavuma, all experts on defense matters.
According to the source, the College’s first Commandant is Gen. Okello.
When completed, the Students will get an NDC badge and Master’s degree Awarded by Makerere University.
“So it will be affiliated to Makerere University,” an insider notes, adding, this college will build “competencies in governance and strategic roles as a way of dealing with threats other than war – unemployment, hunger, pandemics, cybercrime, climate change and disasters among others.”
UPDF Deputy Spokesman, Lt. Col Ronald Kakurungu told MediaScape News that indeed the National Defence College Uganda is set to open for its first intake.
“It has been long over to reduce the backlog of senior officers who qualify to attend the same,” he revealed.
He added that all along officers have been attending the course from partner states within the region and beyond.
“Its establishment is in line with the overall efforts by H.E the President to professionalize the UPDF,” he concluded.