President Museveni has called on Ugandans to abandon subsistence agriculture and fully embrace the money economy, saying socio-economic transformation is essential for Uganda and Africa to build strong defence capabilities against emerging threats.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Cohort Four (04-2025/2026) of the National Defence College–Uganda (NDC-U) in Buikwe District, where 21 participants completed the National Security and Strategic Studies Course, Museveni said Africa's security depends on transforming its economies through universal education, wealth creation and political integration.
"If you want to defend Africa, the economy must undergo socio-economic transformation, there must be universal education, economic and political integration to defend Africa," he said.
Museveni urged Ugandans to join the money economy by engaging in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, artisanship, the service sector and information and communication technology (ICT), saying these sectors are critical to wealth creation and national development.
Museveni stressed that subsistence agriculture cannot guarantee national prosperity or security, reiterating his long-standing call for citizens to move into commercial production.
"All peasants must disappear and we get a new society, then you will defend Africa," he said.
He also cautioned Ugandans against "working for the stomach," urging citizens to abandon subsistence farming and instead participate in the country's four money-making sectors.
Linking economic development to national security, Museveni said Uganda must modernise its defence capabilities to match the demands of contemporary warfare.
He observed that modern conflicts can no longer be won using rifles alone and called for the application of advanced weapons systems capable of ensuring effective operations and dominance on land, in the air, at sea and in space, similar to the capabilities developed by America, China, India and Russia.
Museveni said that once Uganda has successfully transformed its economy, the country should continue investing in building comprehensive defence capabilities across all domains.
The graduating class comprised three Brigadier Generals, eighteen Colonels and one civilian, of whom three were female.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Defence in charge of General Duties, Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, described the graduation as a significant milestone for the country and the region, saying it had produced strategic thinkers capable of strengthening national security.
She thanked President Museveni for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to national security, which she said continue to drive the modernisation of the Defence Forces.
Akifeza urged the graduands to continue investing in advanced strategic thinking to strengthen institutional capacity, while applying the knowledge acquired with wisdom, integrity and patriotism.
She also highlighted the importance of professional military education in addressing evolving threats such as transnational crime, terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime and climate change.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, commended President Museveni for his continued support and guidance in transforming the Uganda People's Defence Forces into a modern and ideologically grounded force.
Welcoming the graduates into what he described as the "clan of strategic thinkers," Lt Gen Okiding reminded them that completing the course comes with greater responsibility.
"We have given you a lot and we are going to demand more from you," he said.
The Commandant of the National Defence College–Uganda, Brig Gen Alex Olupot, praised President Museveni for prioritising professional military education and developing strategic leaders capable of navigating an increasingly complex security environment.
He urged the graduands to put national interests above personal interests, lead with integrity and embrace strategic thinking throughout their careers, noting that graduation marked the beginning of greater responsibility in national service.
The National Security and Strategic Studies Course prepares participants to strengthen strategic decision-making, diplomacy, communication, crisis leadership and strategic thinking.
During the ceremony, graduates received certificates and were authorised to use the "ndc" post-nominal after their names. Brig Gen Freddy Joseph Onata emerged as the best overall student, followed by Col David Okumu and Mr. Peter Temela.
The event was attended by the Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veterans Affairs, Dr Huda Oleru; the Minister of State for Public Service, Lydia Wanyoto; the Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President and Woman Member of Parliament for Buikwe, Diana Mutasingwa; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Rosette Byengoma; UPDF General Officers; senior and junior officers; representatives of the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service; academia, local leaders, religious leaders and family members of the graduands.
