The pioneer students of the Master of Arts in Defence and Security Studies have graduated today, 18th January 2019. They are among the 13, 350 
students that have been awarded degrees and diplomas of Makerere University during the 69th graduation ceremony.
The students also serving army officers are; Esiaru Franco, Baguma Alikira Fred, Kajjubi Fred, Kasimbazi Kanyima John Francis, Lengusuranga Fabian Letais, Lwagaba James, Mbidde Abubakar, Mwamunyange Catherine Vanessa, Mwebaze Harriet, Nangamba Ronald, Nyonyi Godfrey Renutus, Owamagyezi Gilbert, Sichei Naibei Anthony and Wamunddu Cassette Ignatius.
The graduation ceremony was attended by senior army officers namely; Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti, the Chairman of the General Court Martial; Brig Jim Wills Byarugaba, UPDF Chief of Training and Recruitment and Col. Steven Atukwase, the Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Defence and Security Studies Programme at the Senior Command and Staff College, KIMAKA.
The Masters of Arts in Defence and Security Studies was introduced in 2015 following a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Makerere University and the Ministry of Defence in 2014 with the aim of professionalizing the army. The programme is offered to UPDF Officers and is taught by members of staff from the Department of Political and Public Administration, Makerere University.
The programme is aimed at reinforcing the capacity of soldiers in the region to among other issues tackle the ever growing threat of terror.
Course units taught under the programme include, the theory and practice of military intelligence; global politics; command, leadership and management; training doctrine in defense forces; theory and practice of modern warfare; joint war planning; issues in African international studies; and research methodology in defense and security studies.
Other notable officials who have graduated today are Justice Steven Kavuma (Masters of Arts in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies) and Polly Namaye (Master of Arts in Journalism and Communication).
During the graduation ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the graduands and cautioned them against acts of indiscipline. “The opportunities out there are immense, but only the disciplined will find them,” he said.
He thanked all stakeholders, particularly the Government of Uganda and development partners for the support rendered to Makerere University over the year. He specifically thanked the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni for the unwavering support to Makerere University to consolidate her position as a modern twenty first century university.
He expressed gratitude to the Government for considering the allocation of competitive research funds to Makerere University in the next Financial Year. “With this support, Makerere University is set to increase her research output and impact on our socio-economic development,” he noted.
The Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma warned staff and students against actions that compromise the moral integrity of the University. “It is simply unacceptable to compromise on the moral integrity of the university. When that happens everyone suffers. We begin to doubt the value of every degree coming from Makerere University. Those who have worked hard to earn their marks become victims of those who have cheated. Anyone who participates in any way in falsifying the academic records of the university is an enemy and must be treated as such. I urge everyone, students, parents, faculty, alumni, government, media and the public at large to fight all forms of fraud, falsification and immorality in the university,” he said.
See details on the 69th graduation ceremony in the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor's speeches below