By John Kusolo
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On the second day of the Gen. Aronda Nyakairima Memorial Events, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the viability and significance of defence industries in Uganda. The event, held at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Hotel from September 10th to 12th, 2024, was part of a series of activities commemorating the life of the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima. Under the theme “Celebrating the life of Hon Gen Aronda Nyakairima; a Paragon of Revolutionary Sacrifice, Pan-Africanism, Patriotism, Courage, and an Accomplished Freedom Fighter,” the memorial event brought together prominent figures to reflect on issues critical to national security and development.
Lt. Gen. Mugira opened the memorial lectures by linking the birth of defence industries to the Industrial Revolution, which transformed societies from agrarian to industrial economies in Europe. He explained that this revolution marked a significant shift from manual labor to mechanized processes, which in turn laid the foundation for the development of modern defence industries. He noted, “The motives for developing defence industrial capabilities are various, especially enhancing self-sufficiency in defence.”
*Uganda’s Defence Industry and National Security*
Mugira emphasized the role of defence industries in enhancing national security and reducing dependency on foreign countries for military supplies, highlighting Uganda's establishment of the Luwero Defence Industries in 1989 as a crucial step toward self-reliance. “Because of the importance these industries play in national security, Uganda hasn’t been left out,” Mugira said, stressing that such initiatives safeguard the nation’s ability to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He further argued that, globally, defence industries are strategic facilities that shape the security landscape, influence geopolitical dynamics, and drive technological innovation. While Uganda may not seek complete defence industrial sovereignty, the development of these industries ensures a degree of self-reliance. According to Mugira, “Defence industries are mainly set up to provide a sustainable in-country capability for supplying the armed forces, especially during combat.”
*Reducing Dependency on Foreign Suppliers*
One of the key points raised by Lt. Gen. Mugira was the importance of reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for military equipment. He explained that depending entirely on foreign manufacturers gives those suppliers control over what equipment a country can acquire and how it can be used. “The foreign supplier will even have the ability to shape the recipient country’s foreign policy through unilateral sanctions, arms embargoes, and restrictions on the usage of the imported weapon systems,” he warned.
Mugira underscored that national defence industries serve as tools for achieving a guaranteed and independent supply of equipment while saving foreign exchange. For developing nations like Uganda, import substitution through domestic defence production is a vital strategy for conserving foreign currency and bolstering the economy. Additionally, he noted that defence industries often drive technological advancements in the broader commercial sector, helping other industries achieve higher capabilities.
*The Strategic Role of Defence Industries*
In his lecture, Lt. Gen. Mugira stressed the strategic role defence industries play in balancing power among nations. These industries enable countries to project force, deter aggression, and ensure regional stability. He further highlighted the historical context of military organization in Uganda, recalling that precolonial societies had rudimentary instruments of war but lacked advanced technologies like the Maxim gun, which was crucial in Europe’s colonization of Africa.
Drawing on this history, Mugira emphasized the importance of self-reliance in defence industries for modern Uganda. “This self-reliance enhances national security by minimizing vulnerabilities to foreign policy pressures and embargoes,” he stated. He also reflected on how traditional leaders like Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro and Kabaka Mutesa I of Buganda had personal guards and standing armies, laying a foundation for organized defence structures in precolonial Uganda.
Honoring Gen. Aronda Nyakairima’s Legacy
In concluding his remarks, Lt. Gen. Mugira paid tribute to the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, whom he described as a patriot and freedom fighter. Nyakairima embodied revolutionary sacrifice, Pan-Africanism, and dedication to national security. Mugira praised Nyakairima for his relentless work ethic and commitment to Uganda's sovereignty, saying he lived by the mantra of “hard work, dedication, and perseverance.”
The three-day event in Nyakairima's memory featured keynote addresses, exhibitions, and memorial lectures from distinguished speakers. One of the event’s highlights was the opening of the first Kampala Defence and Security Expo 2024, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The expo showcased cutting-edge defence technologies and provided a platform for discussions on the future of defence and security in Uganda and beyond.
As Uganda continues to develop its defence industries, Lt. Gen. Mugira’s lecture underscored the need for a self-reliant defence sector that not only strengthens national security but also supports the broader goals of economic development and technological advancement. His address was a fitting tribute to the memory of Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, whose legacy continues to inspire Uganda’s pursuit of independence and self-determination.
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