The Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, has commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for its unwavering determination and effectiveness, stating that the force consistently delivers positive results wherever it operates.
Speaking at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, Maj Gen Bakasumba, representing the Chief of Defence Forces, addressed participants of the Algerian High Military School’s Advanced War Course.
He underscored Uganda’s pioneering role in peacekeeping missions, highlighting its status as the first nation to deploy troops in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
“In Somalia, we have made sacrifices driven by patriotism and guided by the clear leadership and ideology of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” he said, reiterating the President’s call for “African solutions to African problems.”
Maj Gen Bakasumba also emphasized the UPDF’s growing capacity for operations across diverse sectors, including air and maritime domains. He expressed appreciation for Algeria’s ongoing military cooperation, particularly in training initiatives, noting that 15 Ugandan personnel received specialized counter-terrorism training in Algeria last year.
“The fight against terrorism is a shared responsibility that requires collective action,” he added.
On his part, Brig Gen Rabah Benhamouda, head of the Algerian delegation, acknowledged the strengthening military ties between Uganda and Algeria. He praised the presence of Ugandan officers in Algeria’s military institutions as a testament to the growing partnership.
“The recent visit of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to Algeria has further solidified our military cooperation,” Brig Gen Benhamouda noted.
The meeting was attended by prominent officials, including 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 other senior UPDF officers.
This engagement reflects the ongoing commitment to deepen military collaboration and enhance regional security efforts between Uganda and Algeria.
