Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Muhoozi Kainerugaba, hosted retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn for a dinner meeting in Uganda, where the two discussed how military institutions can play a key role in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders.
The meeting took place at the Serena Hotel Kigo in Kigo on Saturday evening and was attended by several senior officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
During the event, Gen. Kainerugaba revealed that he had studied Flynn’s academic writings during his time at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth in the United States. He said it was an honor to host the former U.S. intelligence chief in Uganda.
“We used to study some of his papers when we were at Fort Leavenworth, and we are honoured that he is here with us,” Kainerugaba said, adding that Flynn’s visit could mark the beginning of an important relationship between Uganda’s military leadership and the American veteran.
The discussions focused largely on the role of education in developing leadership qualities such as discipline, patriotism, and moral values among young people. Kainerugaba emphasized that Uganda could learn from international models that combine military training with academic education.
He noted that the UPDF already operates a network of military primary and secondary schools that follow the national curriculum under the Ministry of Education and Sports. However, he suggested that Uganda could consider adopting elements similar to the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) system used in the United States, which integrates leadership training within civilian educational institutions.
Flynn, who served more than three decades in the U.S. Army and previously led the Defense Intelligence Agency, stressed the importance of building long-term relationships between nations, institutions, and individuals.
“The most important thing you can do in life is develop relationships with people and make those relationships last over time,” Flynn said, noting that such relationships are especially important during times of crisis.
He also pointed to Africa’s growing potential, highlighting Uganda’s youthful population as a major advantage. According to Flynn, a young demographic can become a powerful driver of economic growth and development if supported by strong institutions and effective leadership training.
Flynn emphasized that military institutions often play a crucial role in developing future leaders because of their strong focus on discipline, education, teamwork, and structured training.
“The generals eventually go away, and we have to develop new leaders,” he said. “Where you develop leaders best is often in the military.”
Flynn’s distinguished military career also included a brief tenure as U.S. National Security Advisor under former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The dinner was attended by several senior officials, including Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States Robie Kakonge, as well as UPDF officers such as Maj. Gen. James Kinalwa, Maj. Gen. Moses Rwakitarate, and Maj. Gen. Chris Ddamulira.
Flynn is expected to continue engaging with Ugandan military leaders and academic institutions during the remainder of his visit to the country.
