The second cohort at the National Defence College – Uganda (NDC-U), who are undertaking National Security and Strategic Studies, on June 16, 2023, made a familiarization visit to Makerere University (MAK) Library to acclimatize with the operations of the library which will support them with reading resources for their course and research. The visit was also aimed at enhancing collaboration between MAK and NDC-U.
The Commandant of NDC-U, Maj Gen Francis Okello, said that the course undertaken at NDC-U is a strategic course covering national security, policy, management and research, among other course contents, to prepare the course members for strategic leadership roles in the country. He added that the course attracts Officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces at the rank of Colonel and above drawn from various units, Officers from sister security forces and civilians at the level of commissioner and above.
Maj Gen Okello expressed gratitude to university leadership for their continued collaboration with NDC-U, allowing the Defence College to use the University library to carry out research and also offering an opportunity to NDC-U course members to pursue a master’s program.
“We appreciate MAK for partnering with us to conduct a Masters of Security of Makerere University and also allowing our course members to use the best library in Africa. That means, we shall get the best content that shall be beneficial to us in our military career, ’’ said Maj Gen Okello.
The Makerere University Librarian, Prof. Hellen Byamugisha reiterated that MAK has the best library in Africa and assured her visitors of getting the best services. ‘’We appreciate the good working relationship you have with us, we promise to offer the best for UPDF because you are a pillar of the state, without you, we would not stand to operate,’’ said Prof Hellen Byamugisha.
NDC is the highest institution of military learning that was commissioned by H.E Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in January 2022 and its first cohort graduated in January 2023 as the graduates proceed with their second year of master’s degree program at MAK.
The second intake of NDC-U that commenced on June 02, 2023, comprises 21 members, one of whom is a public servant at the level of a commissioner.