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The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Wilson Mbadi has revealed plans by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to transform the current National Defense College – Uganda (NDC-U) in Njeru, Buikwe district into a defence forces university.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) intend to convert the existing National Defense College – Uganda (NDC-U) in Njeru, Buikwe county, into a defense forces university, according to plans disclosed by General Wilson Mbadi, Chief of Defence Forces (PDF).

He made the revelation during the 13th annual Tarehe Sita thanksgiving meeting at Kololo ceremonial grounds presided over by President Museveni.

General Mbadi noted that the initiative is expected to cover higher education for soldiers’ children who now attain free education till Advanced level (A-level) in efforts to clear gaps in the force staff welfare.

He says they are currently liaising with the Ministry of Education and Sports to have the university in place in the next five years.

“The UPDF has made many strides in training but we have been missing a flagship institution that provides professional joint military education at Strategic level,” the CDF noted.

He said that in order to manage complexity, uncertainty, changes and surprise in the contemporary security environment, there is always a need to develop institutions.

“An armed forces university for the same children’s free education. Our plan of transforming the NDC into a defence forces university at least within the next five years is on and engagements with the Ministry of Education and Sports are on as well. We have a vision to have a college that should offer focused/basic courses for these children mainly in science and some key social studies,” he noted.