KAMPALA, October 7, 2026 — Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has held talks with his South African counterpart, Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya, on the sidelines of the inaugural African Defence Chiefs Conference on Military Operations Other Than War in Kampala.

The meeting at the SFC Headquarters, focused on military relations between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), according to the Defence Press Unit.

The two defence forces maintain cooperation in areas including military training and exchanges. Gen. Maphwanya previously visited Kampala in November 2024.

South Africa's defence chief is among military leaders and security experts attending the four-day conference, which runs from October 5 to 8.

The conference has brought together defence and military operations experts from more than 18 countries, African Union regional bodies, and Force Commanders from United Nations and African Union peace support missions.

Participants are discussing ways to strengthen Africa’s capacity to respond to emerging and non-traditional security threats, including terrorism, organised crime, cyber warfare, public health emergencies, climate-related crises and natural disasters.

The Kampala meeting highlights the growing focus on military cooperation and coordinated responses to security challenges that extend beyond conventional warfare.