The Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has underscored the critical role of citizens in safeguarding national security, describing the population as the first and most vital line of defence.
Addressing members of Intake 3 at the National Defence College – Uganda (NDC-U), where he delivered a lecture on Uganda’s institutional security framework, Otafiire called for a people-centred approach to national security.
“The security of any country depends on intelligence, diplomacy, and the security forces. But it is the population that helps coordinate intelligence and enables the security forces to act on it. Human beings are the first line of defence,” he said.
The Ruhinda County MP highlighted the importance of developing human capacity across seven pillars of human security: food, economy, health, environment, politics, personal safety, and community. He stressed that for Africa to build truly sovereign national defence systems, it must invest in these pillars.
“It is the duty of leadership to change the way we think. Security means wealth and prosperity. When you provide security to the people, they will take care of themselves,” he said.
Otafiire also criticised the tendency among many African strategic thinkers to overlook these essential elements. He called for policies that strengthen institutions, empower citizens, and enforce discipline within the armed forces.
“Strength comes from the people. Empowered citizens and a disciplined army create a mighty force,” he noted.
He urged participants to engage actively with diverse communities, emphasising that inclusive dialogue is key to achieving a secure and prosperous Africa.
The session was attended by senior college staff, including the Dean of Studies, UPDF Brig. Gen. Kefa Nangeso—who represented the Commandant, UPDF Brig. Gen. Dr. Stephen Kusasira—as well as Professor Murindwa Rutanga and various departmental heads.
