Uganda and Algeria have reinforced their military partnership, focusing on bolstering air and maritime capabilities and enhancing counter-terrorism efforts.
Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, the Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), highlighted Uganda’s growing security strength while addressing participants from Algeria’s High Military School’s Advanced War Course at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
He praised the UPDF as a disciplined and results-oriented force committed to regional security, emphasizing its impact on peacekeeping missions.
“Wherever the UPDF is deployed, we deliver positive outcomes. In Somalia, we have made sacrifices driven by patriotism, guided by President Museveni’s ideology that African challenges should be addressed by Africans,” Bakasumba stated.
Uganda was the first country to deploy troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and remains a crucial player in regional stability. Bakasumba stressed the significance of Uganda’s military cooperation with Algeria, recognizing Algeria’s role in training Ugandan forces.
“Last year, 15 Ugandan personnel underwent counter-terrorism training in Algeria. Fighting terrorism requires a collective approach, and we appreciate Algeria’s continued support,” he noted.
Brig Gen Rabah Benhamouda, head of the visiting Algerian delegation, commended Uganda’s dedication to regional security and acknowledged the presence of Ugandan students in Algeria’s military academies as a sign of deepening cooperation.
“The presence of Ugandan students in our institutions reflects the strong military ties between our nations,” Benhamouda said.
He also lauded the recent visit by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to Algeria, describing it as a pivotal step in strengthening defence relations.
The ongoing engagements between the two nations are expected to further solidify their security collaboration, particularly in military training and counter-terrorism initiatives, as Uganda continues to expand its peacekeeping role in the region.
Post a Comment