The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial branch of the UPDF (Uganda People’s Defense Forces) and the Ministry of Defense, has entered the private security industry.
On Friday, the first group of private security personnel from NEC Security Services Limited successfully completed their training at Katuugo Training School in Nakasongola district.
During the graduation ceremony, Brigadier General JK Godfrey Muwanguzi, the Reserve Forces Commander for Greater Kampala, emphasized the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs’ goal of retaining these ex-soldiers in active service if they are willing.
“The Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs aims to ensure that ex-soldiers who still possess the energy continue to contribute to their country. We have provided them with training in firearm handling, customer service, and ethical conduct. They must understand the importance of integrity, avoid corruption, and maintain their physical fitness,” said Brigadier Muwanguzi.
He added, “Do not engage in extortion or false accusations. Be content with your wages. You are here to complement others. Draw upon your previous experience serving in the UPDF and uphold the integrity of the nation you will now serve.”
The UPDF Reserve Forces Commander for Greater Kampala emphasized that their personnel are distinguished in their approach to handling firearms and their responsible use. However, he urged supervisors to closely monitor the well-being of these ex-servicemen to minimize instances of firearm abuse in the country.
“Some incidents of shootings are the result of stress. Therefore, it is the duty of supervisors to closely monitor these private security guards and determine if they require rest,” he advised.
Colonel Moses Mwesigwa, the head of NEC Security Services Limited, explained that while other agencies like UPDF, Police, and Prisons are primarily responsible for maintaining national security, these private security guards fill in gaps and provide security to private individuals and their assets at a fee.
He acknowledged that as veterans, they possess security expertise, making it easier to train them to shift their mindset regarding the treatment of their employers compared to their time in the army.
“With these private security guards, we also aim to assist the government in further strengthening and stabilizing the national economy by protecting assets from human-induced damage, such as electrical equipment,” Colonel Mwesigwa added.
Lieutenant Colonel Grasian Birakwate, the head of Katuugo Training Institute, emphasized that the guards already have security experience, and the one-month training served as a refresher course.
At Katuugo, the guards received training in marksmanship, field craft, VIP protection, basic fire fighting, physical drills, political education, radio communication, and customer care, among other subjects.
The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), as the commercial wing of the UPDF and Ministry of Defense, is also involved in various other activities. It produces Uzima water and oversees the UPDF Engineers Brigade, responsible for construction projects such as roads and buildings. NEC also manufactures products like facemasks and supplies oxygen to state-run hospitals.
