The Uganda Government has received a piece of history of the King’s African Rifles (KAR) from the British Government at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon Adolf Mwesige received the digitalized KAR war records (war diary, medals and citations of KAR ex-servicemen) on behalf of the Ugandan Government.
Britain’s Defence Advisor to Uganda Lt Col Mathew Edwards handed over the KAR war records on behalf of the British Armed Forces.
Hon Mwesige hailed the long-standing collaboration between Uganda and Britain in areas of security, health, and history, among others.
He appreciated that KAR digitized history provides a historical linkage between Uganda and Britain, and strengthens the existing cooperation between both countries as they share lessons from past experiences.
“These records will enrich both the UPDF doctrine and its museum since they reflect on the pasts; thus providing lessons for others to learn,” said the Defence Minister.
He added that such historical records provide an opportunity to share knowledge and acts as a point of reference for future generations. “Such exciting history is a basis for our existence, most especially for the military veterans,” he noted.
Hon Mwesige further commended the British Government for recognizing the contribution of KAR veterans in the history of Uganda and requested for the extension of the same to post-independence veterans.
Lt Col Mathew Edwards expressed gratitude to Uganda’s military preparedness and strength exhibited in its recognition of history and pledged to continue supporting its programs.
KAR war records were picked from the UK National Archive and the Bodleian Library Collection. The King’s African Rifles was a multi-battalion British colonial regiment raised from Britain’s various colonies in East Africa from 1902 until Independence in the 1960s.
The handover of materials was also witnessed by the Minister of State for Defence In charge of Veteran Affairs Lt Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama, the UPDF Commander of the Centre for Doctrine Synthesization and Development Lt Gen Pecos Kutesa and Mr. Cox Anguzo the Human Resource Commissioner, among others.