Gen Mugira Hosts Ghana Armed Forces Delegation, Highlights NEC’s Role in Uganda’s Transformation

In a significant gesture of Pan-African military cooperation and knowledge exchange, Lt Gen James Mugira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), warmly received a delegation from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Senior Intake 46, at NEC Headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala, on 6th May 2025.

The delegation was led by Air Commodore Thomas Niifio Okai and comprised staff and students from across West Africa.

The visit underscored the enduring diplomatic and historical ties between Ghana and Uganda, with Gen Mugira expressing heartfelt gratitude to the delegation for selecting Uganda as their destination for a strategic study visit.

“Uganda and Ghana share a deep-rooted history of colonization, liberation, and the Pan-African spirit,” said Gen Mugira. “The legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, a revered African freedom fighter, lives on in Uganda through named streets, institutions, and even a hall at Makerere University.”

NEC: Uganda’s Strategic Commercial Arm

Gen Mugira took the opportunity to brief the delegation on the pivotal role of NEC as the commercial and business arm of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). He noted NEC’s contribution to national development through industrialization, job creation, and import substitution.

A notable highlight of the meeting was Gen Mugira’s revelation that he is an alumnus of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, class of 2002/2003. He extended an open invitation to the visiting team to explore NEC’s projects outside Kampala for a broader understanding of its nationwide impact.

Appreciation and Shared Learning

Air Commodore Thomas Niifio Okai expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and praised Uganda’s innovative defence policies that focus on socio-economic development. He specifically cited Uganda’s efforts in addressing climate change, environmental security, and sustainable development as key motivations for the visit.

The diverse delegation included military officers from Ghana, Nigeria, The Gambia, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone, reflecting a broad West African regional representation committed to learning from Uganda’s defence development model.

Strategic Presentation by Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi

Representing Lt Gen Mugira, Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi delivered a comprehensive presentation on NEC’s role in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

He emphasized that NEC’s industrial capabilities significantly contribute to national security, economic independence, and technological innovation.

“Local defence industries are not only a matter of national security but also a foundation for economic sustainability,” Gen Sabiiti remarked. “They reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, foster innovation, and promote autonomy.”

He highlighted the importance of Research and Development (R&D) in defence industries, pointing to globally impactful technologies such as night vision, digital photography, and satellite navigation that originated from military research but found transformative civilian applications.

Gen Sabiiti also detailed NEC’s approach to environmentally conscious development, stressing that its projects align with sustainable development goals (SDGs) to protect the environment while promoting human well-being.

Fostering African Solidarity Through Defence Diplomacy

The visit concluded on a high note, reinforcing the spirit of African solidarity and defence diplomacy. Both Uganda and the visiting West African delegation shared ideas, experiences, and aspirations aimed at strengthening regional peace, technological advancement, and socio-economic resilience.

The interaction demonstrated the value of partnerships among African defence institutions in shaping a self-reliant and progressive continent.