Kimaka graduates first Master’s degree in defence and security students

The Senior Staff and Command College, Kimaka in Jinja district on Thursday graduated their first batch of army officers who had undergone a year’s Master’s of Arts Degree in Defence and Security.

Speaking at the function, the State Minister for Defence, Col. Charles Engola said the knowledge attained during the course will enable army officers in the 21st century equip themselves with awareness in regards the nature and extent of threats faced by their countries.

“I believe the knowledge will help the officers develop their professional competencies and also create awareness on the threats that the continent and world at large face in the dynamic security environment and the role of armed forces in tackling those threats,” Engola said.

The Chief of Defence Forces in the UPDF, Gen. David Muhoozi warned the graduands that the achievement comes with a lot of expectations from both the public and their bosses, adding that they ought to stand up to the occasion.

“We hope you will be as tall as the expectations after the course. We shall be waiting for the value you will add to your work as you return,” Gen.Muhoozi noted.

He implored the officers to have integrity and remain disciplined as they provide leadership wherever they will be deployed in a bid to give positive results.

Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti, the Commandant Senior Staff and Command College said the officers have been broadened and can now ably articulate and balance issues in a broad based perspective while undertaking tactical, operational and strategic assignments.

In interview with Nile Post, Prof.John Opuda Asibo, the National Council for Higher Education Executive Director said Kimaka is at a status of a university specializing in military studies and war fare.

A total of 40 officers graduated on Thursday, nine of whom were from neighbor countries including Rwanda,Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Africa.

Kimaka

The Senior Staff and Command College Kimaka started in August 2004 with a mandate to train and professionalize officers in a bid to prepare them assume high responsibilities in command and staff roles.

Since then, a total of 505 officers have gone through the college and the Thursday graduation was their 13th.

President Museveni, who is also the commander in chief recently said Uganda Military Academy at Kabamba will soon start awarding degrees in security and defence studies.

The University of Military Science and Technology, commonly known as Lugazi National Defence University in Lugazi, Buikwe District also offers degree courses.