KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda government has reaffirmed the growing role of economic strategy in national security, as senior military officers from across Africa and beyond convened for a high-level study visit in Uganda focused on sustainable development and resource management.
The delegation from the Tanzania National Defence College (NDC), Intake 14 (2025/2026), led by Commodore Bagadiwera Traseas Rutambuka, met with officials from Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives at Imperial Royale Hotel. The visit centered on understanding how Uganda is leveraging its natural wealth particularly oil, agriculture, and eco-tourism to drive sustainable economic growth.
Welcoming the delegation, the Minister of State for Trade, Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, emphasized the evolving relationship between defense and economic development. Drawing from his own experience as Uganda’s former Chief of Defence Forces, Mbadi highlighted the principle that “defence enables trade, and trade enables peace,” underscoring the interdependence of security and prosperity.
The visiting team, comprising officers from Tanzania, China, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Nigeria, had earlier engaged with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, gaining insight into Uganda’s military structure and its expanding developmental role.
Military’s Expanding Role in Development
Mbadi noted that modern armed forces are increasingly involved in socio-economic transformation, beyond their traditional roles of defending sovereignty and maintaining internal security. In Uganda, the military has played a significant role in boosting agricultural productivity through initiatives such as distributing coffee seedlings, which has contributed to increased exports.
He also highlighted the work of the UPDF Engineering Brigade in constructing public infrastructure including hospitals, schools, roads, and bridges at reduced cost. Additionally, the military’s involvement in industrial ventures under the National Enterprises Corporation reflects a broader shift toward integrating defense capabilities into national development strategies.
Strategic Thinking for Modern Security Challenges
Addressing the delegation, Mbadi stressed the importance of strategic thinking in navigating complex global security environments. He pointed to emerging geopolitical tensions, including strained relations involving the United States, as examples of how economic interests increasingly intersect with military considerations.
He described modern conflict as extending beyond traditional battlefields into economic, political, and technological domains—what some analysts refer to as “total war.” In this context, national defense colleges play a critical role in equipping senior officers with the analytical tools needed to address both current and future challenges.
Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy
A key focus of the discussions was Uganda’s “Ten-Fold Growth Strategy (10FG),” which aims to accelerate development through four main pillars: Agro-industrialization, Tourism Development, Mineral Development (including oil and gas), and Science, Technology, and Innovation collectively known as ATMS.
Officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives provided the delegation with a detailed overview of policies and institutions driving this agenda. These include the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative and industrialization efforts such as the Namanve Industrial and Business Park.
The delegation also learned about the roles of key agencies, including the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, Uganda Industrial Research Institute, Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority, Uganda Development Corporation, and Uganda Cooperative Alliance.
Economic Security as National Security
Mbadi challenged the officers to rethink traditional military roles, arguing that “economic security is national security” in the 21st century. He outlined five key principles for modern military leadership: integrating economic considerations into defense planning, fostering alliances, prioritizing youth employment, embracing innovation such as artificial intelligence and drone technology, and upholding integrity in leadership.
He emphasized that sustainable growth—particularly job creation for young people—is critical in preventing instability and radicalization.
Strengthening Regional Ties
The minister concluded by reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to regional integration and its strong bilateral relationship with Tanzania. He highlighted the importance of frameworks such as the East African Community (EAC) in promoting economic cooperation and peace across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Commodore Rutambuka said the visit marked the culmination of a regional field training program focused on international security studies. He noted that the insights gained from Uganda’s approach to balancing natural resource utilization and economic growth would inform their strategic outlook.
The study visit underscores a growing recognition among African nations that sustainable development and security are deeply interconnected and that leveraging natural resources effectively can be a cornerstone of both.
