On Monday a delegation from the Indian National Defence College paid a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in Charge of General Duties Hon Col (rtd) Charles Okello Engola at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters Mbuya.
Speaking to the delegation, the minister applauded the Indian Government for supporting Uganda in its development programmes and ensuring peace and security on the African continent. “It is such support that has enabled Uganda to be a beacon of peace on the continent. We are able to help our brothers in Somalia and other parts of Africa because of your country’s support” Hon Engola said.
On his part, the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi revealed that both Uganda and India have many experiences that can be exploited for the benefit of the two nations. He added that Uganda is at a take off stage and there is need to translate this into something visible in services like medical, tourism, trade and technology.
In his statement, Maj Gen Sc Mohanty who led the Indian delegation expressed his gratitude for the warm reception offered to his team and pledged to enhance the relationship between the two countries which is hinged on historical ties. The team was accompanied to the Ministry headquarters by the Indian High commissioner to Uganda His Excellence Shri Ravi Shankar.
Recently, the Government of India donated two new buses to the Ugandan Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) Kimaka to facilitate its academic programs. India also runs an academic exchange program to the same college where Indian directing staff is part of the directing staff.
The delegation was also briefed on the security and geopolitical situation in the region where it was emphasized that UPDF’s PanAfricanist ideology has played a critical role in Stabilising the region.
The deputy chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi who presided over the briefing highlighted the roles the two militaries could play towards international peace and security.
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