NEC Hosts Burundian Students, Highlights Defence Industry's Role in Uganda’s Socio-Economic Development
They were warmly received by Lieutenant General James Mugira, the Managing Director of NEC, who commended the strong Pan-Africanist bond that exists between the two countries.
The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), today hosted a high-level delegation of students from the Senior Command and Staff College Kinanira, Burundi. The visit, which took place at NEC Headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala, underscored the deepening bilateral ties between Uganda and Burundi, and the critical role that defence industries play in the socio-economic transformation of African nations.
The visiting delegation was led by Colonel Jonas Sushimike and accompanied by Uganda’s Military Attaché to Burundi, Brigadier General Ochan.
They were warmly received by Lieutenant General James Mugira, the Managing Director of NEC, who commended the strong Pan-Africanist bond that exists between the two countries.
In his welcoming remarks, Lt Gen Mugira applauded the Government of Burundi for its steadfast leadership and commitment to regional stability, especially its active role in counter-terrorism operations in Somalia. “Uganda and Burundi share a long-standing, cordial relationship rooted in mutual respect, collaboration, and shared security interests,” Gen Mugira said.
The core of Gen Mugira’s address focused on the strategic importance of defence industries in Uganda’s socio-economic development. He referenced Article 209 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which mandates the UPDF to engage not only in national defence but also in productive activities for the development of Uganda.
“Defence industries are not only crucial for national security, but also for fostering economic growth, creating employment, enhancing self-reliance, and contributing to technological advancement,” he emphasized.
He outlined NEC’s pivotal role in executing this constitutional mandate, describing it as the commercial wing of the Ministry of Defence and the UPDF. NEC, he said, undertakes a range of projects and production ventures that generate goods and services both for the military and for the general public, thereby playing a significant part in Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.
Gen Mugira also stressed the importance of local defence manufacturing capacity as a critical factor in safeguarding national sovereignty and sustainability. He noted that dependence on foreign military supplies can pose significant risks, especially during times of global crises or geopolitical shifts.
“Our goal is to ensure that Uganda becomes self-reliant in producing strategic defence and security assets. This not only enhances our security posture but also keeps vital national resources within the economy,” he stated.
The delegation from Burundi was taken through NEC’s wide range of operations, which include defence manufacturing, engineering services, construction, agriculture, and other industrial undertakings. NEC's integrated approach ensures it supports both military readiness and national development.
The visit of Burundian students to NEC is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional integration and defence diplomacy within the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union frameworks. It provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange, practical learning, and deeper understanding of how Uganda has integrated defence production into its national development strategy.
In his closing remarks, Lt Gen Mugira reiterated Uganda's commitment to regional peace and collaboration, stating, “As African nations, we must build internal capabilities that support our security and prosperity. Defence industries are a cornerstone in that vision.”
The event concluded with a tour of NEC installations and a symbolic exchange of gifts, cementing the goodwill and shared vision between the UPDF and the Burundian Armed Forces.
