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Graduates of SCSC Kimaka in a group photo with minister of Defence UPDF Top leadership and other guests from sister countries
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By Our Reporter
The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare and professional development of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
He made the remarks while officiating at the graduation of 52 officers who completed the Grade II Command and Staff Course (20/24–25) at the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) Kimaka, in Jinja.
Hon. Oboth described the graduation as not only a personal milestone for the officers but also a critical turning point in their military careers. “You now carry a higher responsibility to your nation,” he told the graduates. “This course is a call to think critically, not to react impulsively.”
Graduands match to the graduation ground
He noted that the presence of regional participants highlights the spirit of regional integration and cooperation in building professional armed forces. He commended the students from allied countries for their discipline and perseverance, saying they help strengthen shared values across militaries in the region.
The Minister urged graduates to emulate the courage and sacrifice of the original 27 NRA fighters, who fought for Uganda’s liberation. He also applauded the President and Commander-in-Chief, H.E. Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his visionary leadership and continued support for the UPDF’s transformation.
Minister of Defence Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth-inspecting a guard of honour
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Commander of the Air Force, Lt Gen Charles Okidi, congratulated the officers on their dedication and sacrifice. “You’ve been trained to operate in any environment,” he said. “As middle-level commanders, always fight with integrity — integrity first, integrity always. With it, you can reach the highest peak.” He encouraged them to keep upgrading their skills to meet the demands of a rapidly changing security landscape and to exceed the expectations of both the institution and the public.
Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi (Left) Commander Air Force Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba Chief Joint Staff (Center) Maj. Gen. Richard Otto Defence Intelligence and Security Chief at kimaka
The Commandant of SCSC, Brig Gen Michael Kabango, also congratulated the graduates and praised the defence fraternity for its continued support to the college. He noted that the course equips commanders to handle the complexities of contemporary operations, which often extend beyond traditional military roles.
“Current and future engagements transcend physical borders. Policy and strategy now shape the global security landscape,” Brig Gen Kabango said, urging the graduates to use the knowledge and networks gained to make a positive impact. 
Minister of Defence Hon Oboth Oboth awarding PCS Dagger to Maj Gen Bhupendra Singh Togat
He also acknowledged academic partners such as Makerere University, Uganda Management Institute, and Kyambogo University for their contributions to the professional development of military officers.
Upon graduation, the officers are now eligible to use the designation “PSC” (Passed Staff College) in official communication, marking their completion of the prestigious course. The class included 41 officers from Uganda and 11 from allied countries: Burundi (2), Kenya (2), Malawi (1), Rwanda (2), South Sudan (2), and Tanzania (2).
Top performers were recognised for their exceptional results:
Senior military officials and Defence Attachés from Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda also attended the ceremony.
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