The government of India has donated an assortment of vehicles and motorcycles to help augment the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) field operations.
UPDF says the vehicles were pledged by Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India when he visited Uganda in July 2018.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Adolf Mwesige, who received the donation at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on behalf of the Government of Uganda, said that the donation will help UPDF register successes in delivering national security, regional and international peace.
“We view them as a sign of brotherly friendship and we shall always remain grateful for this immense cooperation,” said Mwesige.
The Defence Minister said the vehicles will enhance troop mobility in the execution of national defence as guided by the Commander-in-Chief Gen Yoweri Museveni.
The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda Ajay. Kumar commended Uganda for maintaining the deep-rooted historic relationship between both countries, saying this is hinged on the struggle for both freedom and independence.
He pledged India’s continued support to UPDF in terms of capacity building and training.
The donations included 10 Tata buses, 10 Tata trucks, 2 Tata ambulances and 14 motorcycles.
The Handover function was also attended by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in Charge of General Duties Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola, Under Secretary Finance and Administration Edith Buturo who represented the Permanent Secretary, the Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi, UPDF Joint Chief of Staff Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, the Chief of Logistics and Engineering Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura, representatives from the Indian community in Uganda, and other UPDF senior officers.