Makerere Offers Master Degree to UPDF Officers Pat Robert Larubi The PS (R) and the head Legal from of MUK share a light moment as Prof Ddumba (L) and Lt Gen Angina look on Makerere University and the Government of Uganda, represented by the Ministry of Defence, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in respect of the affiliation of the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC), Kimaka to Makerere University. The function that took place at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Mbuya on December 12, 2014 was attended by senior Makerere University Officials headed by the Vice Chancellor Prof John Ddumba Ssentamu who signed the MOU on behalf of Makerere University and senior military and Defence officials. The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Rosette Byengoma signed on behalf of Government. Byengoma said the affiliation of the UPDF College to Makerere University is a Land Mark achievement towards the Ministry of Defence’s Vision of a professional and modernized Force. “The Qualifications offered by the College through this affiliation will be equated to a Masters of Arts in Defence and Security Studies,” She said. The Permanent Secretary further said that through this arrangement, the UPDF will achieve qualitative career development of its officers for the effective discharge of their duties and towards the Institution’s Mandate. “It is a milestone that will no doubt elevate the status of the academic programs offered at the College,” she said. Global security “The accreditation and affiliation will further enhance our troop’s visibility in the Lobour Market and provide access to opportunities even after retirement from active military service. This will certainly enable a seamless re-integration into society.” She added that it will further consolidate Uganda’s position in an increasingly dynamic regional and global security environment. “Emerging Challenges on the global horizon demand new thinking, that is strategic, informed and qualitatively responsive. The evolution of our Institution through such strategic partnership will meet the challenge,” said Byengoma. The Commandant of SCSC Lt Gen Andrew Gutti said the college was established in 2004 with objective of realizing Uganda’s Vision for Defence transformation based on two pillars; a Modern and professional Defence Forces; and a strong civil Defence Partnership. “The immediate need in 2004 was to off load the backlog of those officers that had acquired ranks through the noble struggle to liberate our Country. This backlog has eased and the college is now running the 10th intake of a new breed of young energetic and well educated officers,” he observed. The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF, Lt Gen Charles Angina who represented Gen Katumba Wamala said the College trains students from the East African Community and beyond, adding that SCSC has developed close relationship with local and International Academic Institutions and training Assistance. He hailed the choice of Makerere University for this undertaking. “We thank the almighty God who enabled this affiliation to the Historical Makerere University that has survived the test of time and is a highly recognized Institution of excellence,” said Lt Gen Angina. He encouraged further engagements with Makerere University so that the UPDF can gain more. Prof Ddumba offered the UPDF more opportunities from which the army could benefit. “Makerere University is honoured and grateful to the Government for allowing it pattern in shaping the Defence Policy of this country and to contribute in the professionalization of the UPDF, right from 2002 during the Defence Review process,” said Ddumba. “Although our focus has been on National and International Affairs, we have several skills and knowledge in other fields beneficial to UPDF. These Include Military Geosciences, Early warning Systems and Disaster Management, ICT, Engineering and Economics, Management and Administrative Sciences, and Research Methodology, among others. We are prepared to share this knowledge with the UPDF,” advised Ddumba. “There are several Officers in the UPDF with accumulated knowledge, expertise and experience which can be shared with us at the University. Our academic programmes in MA Peace and Security Studies, MA international Relations and Diplomatic Studies can be enriched with support from the UPDF.” The affiliation of SCSC to Makerere University started with the process of accrediting four military training schools and colleges as public tertiary institutions by the National Council of Higher Education. The now fully accredited Institutions are SCSC to offer Master Degrees, Junior Command and Staff College – Jinja to offer Diplomas, Uganda Military Academy – Kabamba to offer Diplomas and Non Commissioned Officers’ Academy –Jinja to offer Diplomas.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 16:18:30 +0000
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