SFC's Gen Birungi Tips Ugandans on Purposeful Education

By Albert Tibweba

ENTEBBE. Maj Gen James Birungi, the Commander of the UPDF Special Forces Command has urged Ugandans to choose academic paths that are consistent with their career goals and aspirations.

Gen Birungi said that most people just go to school to study, acquire degrees and other academic qualifications but never put into practice the skills they obtain.

"Even if you study to the level of a professor and you don't implement the skills acquired, your education is meaningless. Some people just go to school just to acquire a degree but they cannot explain what they will do after acquiring it."

He gave an example of those who have degrees in business management yet they cannot even start a small business.

Gen Birungi was speaking at the graduation dinner of one of his officers--Lt Col Mcdans Kamugira who graduated with a Master of Arts in Security and Strategic Studies from Nkumba University.

"We are proud of you and the leadership is aware of your commitment and hard work," Gen Birungi told Col Kamugira whom he assured that the UPDF would leverage on his acquired skills since he had pursued a course relevant to his work.

The colorful dinner was attended by Col Kamugira's senior military officers, members of the business community, relatives among others.

Col Kamugira thanked his family, employers and friends for supporting him in his education endeavours in various ways. He dedicated the Master's Degree to his father whom he described as a strong pillar in his life. His father congratulated him and told him that he had paid a 'debt' that he equated to a billion shillings.

Speaker after speaker hailed Col Kamugira's work ethic, commitment, and resilience. 

His wife, Mrs Edith Kamugira told their guests that her husband never rests until he accomplishes his tasks.

"I now know that you will catch some sleep after attaining this education milestone. In fact, I know that you were relieved after completing the requirements for the award of this Master's Degree," said Mrs Kamugira.

Gen Kainerugaba Praises Kamugira

Meanwhile, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba hailed Col Kamugira for being a focused and committed officer.

"I want to congratulate this focused and committed long time comrade for graduating with a Master's degree in Security and Strategic Studies from Nkumba University. Congratulations Lt.Colonel Kamugira.Hongera kabisa!" Gen Kainerugaba tweeted.

Col Kamugira who is the acting Chief of Staff in Gen Kainerugaba's office expressed gratitude for Gen Kainerugaba's support as he pursued his second degree.

"I would like to thank Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his support because, in the first place, he is the one who gave me the permission to go for this course," Col Kamugira noted.

Col Kamugira informed his guests that Gen Kainerugaba had also financed his research which focused on Youth Unemployment and National Insecurity in Urban Areas: A case study of Makindye Division - Kampala. 

Mr Fabrice Rurinda one of Col Kamugira's friends described him as a good friend who loves to read.

"Col Kamugira is one person who will find you with a book and he will grab it from you and at least read what is at the back and the front," said Mr Rurinda.

On a lighter note, Mr Rurinda said that Col Kamugira had not returned some of the books he had borrowed from him.

"Now that you have completed your degree, please return the books you borrowed from me," Mr Rurinda said, attracting laughter from the audience.