Uganda and US Strengthen Military Ties in High-Level Defence Talks
In a significant step to bolster military cooperation and regional security, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) recently hosted a delegation from the United States Army War College. The high-level meeting, held at the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security in Mbuya, Uganda, focused on military transformation, defence collaboration, and shared goals for peacekeeping in Africa.
The Ugandan delegation was led by Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief Joint Staff and representative of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations. Bakasumba outlined the UPDF’s historical journey, tracing its evolution from the King’s African Rifles at Uganda’s independence in 1962 to its current status as a modern, professionalized force.
“Our history is long, complex, and transformative. At every stage, we have grown stronger, more organized, and more professional,” Bakasumba said, highlighting the UPDF’s commitment to continuous institutional growth.
A key focus of the discussion was Uganda’s growing self-reliance in military training and professional development. Bakasumba emphasized that the UPDF now handles training from basic levels to advanced strategic courses while maintaining international partnerships to enhance operational readiness.
Uganda’s role in regional peacekeeping was also a central theme. The UPDF has been a cornerstone of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its successors, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (ASSIMIS). Since 2007, Uganda has maintained a military presence in Somalia, contributing significantly to stabilizing the country.
“Somalia is almost 800 nautical miles away, but we responded because Africa needed us,” Bakasumba remarked, underscoring Uganda’s commitment to addressing continental security challenges.
The UPDF’s operations extend beyond Somalia. Uganda is actively engaged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), combating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and has played a stabilizing role in South Sudan. These efforts reflect Uganda’s broader responsibilities in promoting regional security.
On the international front, Bakasumba highlighted the strategic importance of Uganda-United States defence cooperation, describing it as a trusted partnership that supports logistics, training, and military modernization.
From the U.S. delegation, Col Miller Ronald praised the UPDF for its contributions to peace and stability in Africa. He emphasized that the Army War College is expanding its academic focus on Africa to address historical gaps in understanding the continent’s geopolitical significance.
“The UPDF is widely recognized for its role in promoting regional peace and stability,” Ronald noted, adding that such engagements are vital for deepening U.S.-Africa military relations.
The meeting was attended by senior UPDF officials, including Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba and Col Simon Mwebaza, alongside Lt Col Christian Noumba, the United States Defence Attaché to Uganda.
The discussions mark a deepening of ties between Uganda and the United States, two nations increasingly aligned in their commitment to addressing Africa’s security challenges.
— Reported by Nexio News
