The Dean of Studies at the National Defence College – Uganda (NDC-U), Brig Gen Kefa Nangeso, has praised the country’s growing industrial sector for its contribution to economic development and its direct impact on national security.
He made the remarks during a visit by Intake 4 course members and staff to SINO Uganda Mbale Industrial Park as part of a domestic study and research tour covering selected industries and the Karamoja sub-region.
“This interaction helps us appreciate how you are taking this work forward and how it will drive Uganda towards achieving Vision 2040 as promised by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” he said.
He noted that one of the country’s biggest security challenges was unemployment, adding that they were pleased with the growing number of young people employed at SINO Uganda Mbale Industrial Park. He said the jobs created there made the country more secure by “reducing the likelihood of youth engaging in criminal activities.”
The Administration Manager of SINO Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, Mr. Lourent Zhong, said the facility is the largest industrial park in East Africa.
It was commissioned by President Museveni in 2018 and currently hosts 75 industries producing various products aimed at boosting job creation, industrialisation and modernisation and currently employs more than 12,000 people.
Senior officials on the tour included Brig Gen Dr Stephen Kusasira, Head of the Faculty of Policy and Strategic Studies; Brig Gen Caesar Muhwezi, Senior Directing Staff; Brig Gen Kazahura, Senior Directing Staff Air; Brig Gen Johnson Niwamanya, Head of Research; Prof Murindwa Rutanga, Head of Postgraduate Studies; Col Ephraim Mugume, Senior Directing Staff; Col Dr Davis Rwangoga, Senior Directing Staff; and Col R.B. Arigye, the College Coordinator.
