General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, has committed to enhancing and maintaining the cordial relations between Uganda and India.
This was during a meeting with a delegation from the National Defence College ,India at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs in Mbuya.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Jack Bakasumba, the Chief of Joint Staff, commended the Indian delegation for selecting Uganda as part of their case study.
He revealed the importance of continuing to strengthen the existing friendship for the development of both nations. Maj Gen Bakasumba highlighted the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ (UPDF) strong relationship with the civilian population, describing it as a pro-people army. “For us, we believe that people are the biggest tool, and whatever we do, the civilians are the foundation; that’s why we’re called the Peoples’ Army,” he stated.
Despite being a young army, the UPDF has made significant achievements in Uganda and across Africa, noted Maj Gen Bakasumba. He mentioned Uganda’s contributions to peacekeeping efforts in countries such as Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and its commitment to regional peace mechanisms like the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF).
Air Vice Marshal Manish Kumah Gupta, head of the Indian delegation, explained that their visit to Uganda is part of a study tour to gain a deeper understanding of the country.
He shared that reading “Sowing the Mustard Seed” by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, which was gifted to him by Colonel Nelson Aheebwa, helped him learn about Uganda’s history and the spirit of Pan-Africanism and economic development advocated by President Museveni. The delegation aims to gain knowledge and experiences that will assist them in their studies and daily duties.
The longstanding relationship between Uganda and India includes significant contributions from the Indian community to Uganda’s economy, particularly in manufacturing, trade, and banking, which provide employment opportunities. Additionally, Indian military officers conduct training for UPDF personnel both in Uganda and India, enhancing the capabilities of the UPDF.
The meeting was attended by senior UPDF officers, including Major General Henry Matsiko, Joint Staff – Political Commissar, Brigadier General Alex Olupot, Joint Staff – Training and Doctrine, Brigadier General Godwin Karugaba, Joint Staff – Logistics, Brigadier General Abdul Rugumayo, Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, and other senior officers.
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