President Museveni Encourages Young Scientists to Consider Military Service for National Development

President Yoweri Museveni recently spoke to a group of 91 trainees, specialized scientists at State House Entebbe who have been undergoing a two-month training at Special Forces Command Sera Kasenyi Training School.

He suggested that some of them consider joining the military to use their expertise in science to help the country’s development as engineers, doctors, to be deployed in so many areas of science. He explained that they will become commissioned officers, or they can get further training to become officer cadets.

“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 said.

He also encouraged them to support the government’s efforts to provide free education for all and explained how education is crucial for the country’s progress.

Museveni stressed the importance of four key principles for Uganda’s prosperity: Patriotism (loving the country), Pan-Africanism (feeling connected to the African continent), Socio-economic transformation (modernizing and improving the economy), and Democracy (involving citizens in decision-making).

“Once we wake up, the production will be so big that the Ugandan market is not enough, that is why we need the regional market. That is how we get our principles. Principle number one is patriotism, love Uganda, why? Because you need it for your own good. Number two love Africa (Pan-Africanism) because you need it for your own good but in order to take advantage of those, you must become a new person, a modern person (socio-economic transformation).” he said

He pointed out that the success of different Ugandan tribes is linked to the country’s overall well-being.

“Banyankore produce milk and beef but they don’t buy those things because my neighbor has milk. I also have milk, he has got bananas, I have got bananas also. He doesn’t buy from me; I also don’t buy from him. So, who buys from him?. The prosperity of the Banyankore is based on Uganda, not the Banyankore and you can analyze that for all the tribes,” Museveni stated

The President also explained the need for Uganda to work with other African nations to achieve common goals, like space exploration, and mentioned the idea of the East African Federation, a regional cooperation effort.

The Deputy Commandant of the Special Forces Command Brig Gen. Charity Bainababo stated that of the 91 officers,72 are males and 19 are females who were trained  in military law, political education, physical training, skills at arms and basics on Kiswahili.

She expressed gratitude for the President’s lectures and suggested making his teachings more widely available to the public.

Key people present at the event included the State House Comptroller, Chief Transport Officer and Head of Engineering, and the Commandant of Sera Kasenyi Training School.