The Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, has hailed the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces as a determined force, emphasising that wherever it operates, positive results follow.
Maj Gen Bakasumba made the remarks today while addressing participants of the Algerian High Military School’s Advanced War Course at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, where he was representing the Chief of Defence Forces.
He highlighted Uganda’s pioneering role in peacekeeping, noting that Uganda was the first country to deploy troops in Somalia.
“In Somalia, we have sacrificed due to patriotism, and because of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s clear leadership and ideology,” he said, reiterating the President’s call for African problems should be solved by Africans.
He further emphasised that the UPDF has built the capacity to conduct operations across various sectors, including air and maritime operations.
Maj Gen Bakasumba expressed gratitude to the Algerian government for their strong cooperation, particularly in training initiatives. He mentioned that the previous year, 15 personnel had been trained in counter-terrorism by Algeria and emphasised that fighting terrorism was a collective responsibility.
Brig Gen Rabah Benhamouda, the head of the Algerian delegation, appreciated the ongoing military cooperation between Uganda and Algeria.
“The presence of Ugandan students in our school reflects the strong military ties between our two countries,” he said.
Brig Gen Benhamouda commended the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his recent visit to Algeria, which he said had strengthened the relationship and cooperation between the two armies.
The meeting was attended by: the Ambassador of Algeria to Uganda, HE Amokrane Mourad; Director of Defence Public Information, Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye; Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Brig Gen Abdul Rugumayo; Joint Staff Operations, Brig Gen John Musoke; Joint Staff Finance, Col Robert Mugabe, and senior UPDF officers.
