In an address delivered at the State House Entebbe, President Yoweri Museveni extended a call to the nation’s young scientists, encouraging them to contemplate a significant path forward in their careers.
The President spoke to an audience of 91 young scientists who had undergone an intensive two-month training program at the Special Forces Command Sera Kasenyi Training School.
Museveni highlighted the prospect of young scientists contributing to the country’s social and economic transformation, which has been an ongoing journey since 1986. He suggested that for those interested and capable, considering military service could be a valuable step.
“In order to consolidate you, those who are able can join the army properly to be trained either as specialists or can do an Officer Cadet course. I shall discuss with the CDF to see what can be offered to you, then you choose what you want. After that, we shall deploy you in so many areas of science,” he stated.
Moreover, President Museveni called upon the young scientists to align their efforts with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in addressing the issue of free education in government schools. He emphasized the crucial role of education in achieving social and economic transformation, underscoring the need to overcome challenges that hinder the implementation of free education effectively.
Museveni also delivered a lecture on the four core principles of the NRM, emphasizing the significance of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic transformation, and Democracy in fostering prosperity among Ugandans. He highlighted the need for unity and regional cooperation, emphasizing the idea of the East African Federation for scientific and economic progress.
The President encouraged the young scientists to disseminate the NRM ideology to fellow Ugandans, aiming to avoid the ideological pitfalls faced in the past. Additionally, he acknowledged their interest in sharing the knowledge gained during the training and expressed his willingness to grant permission for a central database to make this information accessible to all citizens.
On the issue of strategic security, Museveni said Uganda needs to work with other African countries to achieve the goal.“That is why we talk about the East African Federation. The East African Federation will be able to send a satellite to the moon. Uganda would not be able to send a satellite even when we become a modern country because it’s quite expensive; it needs size. That is why we talk of political and economic integration,” Museveni said.
The Deputy Commandant of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Brig Gen. Charity Bainababo informed the President that out of the 91 officers,72 are males and 19 are females, affirming that these undertook training in military law, political education, physical training, skills at arms and basics on Kiswahili.
“These participants are from different fields ranging from master’s degrees to bachelor’s degrees and diplomas. For these students to appreciate the relationship between a correct ideology, technology, and socio-economic transformation, we got them to read and analyze three pieces of literature that you have authored,” Brig Gen. Bainababo said. “These include how Africa makes the birth of history, The value of political education that you authored in 1989, and then the tribute to Late Nelson Mandela.”
Nuwe Matagaizi Amanya, one of the trainees testified that they have learned lessons from the President’s revolutionary lectures throughout the training and this has shown them how he is determined to develop a modern society that can ensure the prosperity of Ugandans.“While at the training school, we got exposed to a very interesting revolutionary lecture of yours and the literature was amazing. We thought of availing it to all citizens through a central database which with your permission, we can design it in less than one week,” he requested.
In attendance at this event were prominent officials, including the State House Comptroller, Jane Barekye, the Chief Transport Officer and Head of Engineering at State House, Eng. Sheeba Kusasira, and the Commandant of Sera Kasenyi Training School, Maj. Frank Mugume.
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