NEC Hosts Zambian Defence Students on Educational Tour to Strengthen Regional Cooperation

The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of Uganda’s Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, welcomed faculty members and student officers from the Zambia Defence Services Command and Staff College on an educational tour aimed at promoting regional cooperation and knowledge exchange.

The Zambian delegation, led by Col. John Buzi Nkonjera, was received by Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Innocent Oula, Deputy Managing Director of NEC, representing Lt. Gen. James Mugira, the Managing Director. Maj. Gen. Oula warmly welcomed the students, expressing gratitude for choosing Uganda as one of the destinations for their educational tour.

“Uganda is honored to host you and provide insights into our defence industries and their pivotal role in national development. NEC stands as a symbol of how the military can drive economic, social, and political progress,” Maj. Gen. Oula remarked.

The students’ tour, themed “Understanding Regional Cooperation Through Responsive Military as a Catalyst for Self-Reliance and Political, Economic, and Social Development,” aims to expose officers to defence structures, regional security dynamics, and the socio-economic impact of military-industrial initiatives.

Col. Nkonjera emphasized that such regional educational tours are a routine aspect of the college’s curriculum, designed to broaden officers’ understanding of defence cooperation across Africa. “This year, our students are divided into seven groups, each visiting a different country: Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The goal is to foster collaboration and share best practices across borders,” he explained.

During the Uganda visit, Col. James Okiring delivered a presentation detailing the significance of defence industries in Uganda’s socio-economic development. He highlighted how NEC’s industrial and commercial activities have contributed to job creation, technological advancement, and national self-reliance.

The visit is a testament to the strong bilateral ties between Uganda and Zambia, reinforcing their mutual commitment to enhancing defence capabilities and regional integration. Through knowledge sharing and capacity building, both nations continue to strengthen security collaboration while promoting socio-economic development across the region.

NEC remains committed to serving as a hub for defence-related learning and industrial innovation, demonstrating the critical link between responsive military structures and national development.