EU ambassadors praise UPDF’s vital role in regional stability

Jinja |The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) play an important role in maintaining regional peace and stability, according to European Union Heads of Mission in Uganda. 

This recognition came during their recent visit to UPDF Colleges in Jinja, where they met with the Commandants of the National Defence College-Uganda (NDC-U), Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) – Kimaka, and Junior Staff College (JSC).

Jan Sadek, the EU Ambassador to Uganda, stated, “We are here as one who shares the same vision to recognize Uganda as a key player in promoting peace and stability in the region, particularly in Somalia.

“The agenda is to strengthen our history as good partners with Uganda in many aspects and to understand the security in the region.”

Maj Gen Francis Okello, Commandant of the NDC-U, expressed gratitude for Uganda’s longstanding relationship with the EU, emphasizing the importance of global partnerships in peace and security and acknowledging the UPDF’s role in maintaining stability.

Maj Gen Okello expressed hope for increased collaboration with EU member state institutions.

Maj Gen George Igumba, Commandant of the SCSC, Kimaka, stated that the college’s establishment aims to support President and Commander-in-Chief Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s pledge to professionalize the defence forces.

He went on to say that the college’s mission is to strengthen officers’ leadership skills in order to prepare them for higher command and staff roles, and he expressed a desire to collaborate with staff colleges in other EU member states to improve training methods and share resources, including educational materials.

The visiting ambassadors included Belgium’s Hugues Chantry, Denmark’s Signe Wiinding, Italy’s Mauro Massoni, France’s Xavier Sticker, and the Netherlands’ Frederieke Quispel.

Other ambassadors include Maria Hackanson of Sweden, Kevin Colgan of Ireland, Mrs Katja Kerschbaumer of Austria, and Mathias Schauer of Germany.

Brig Gen Chris Ogwal, Commandant of the Junior Staff College; Brig Gen David Tweheyo, College Secretary NDC-U; Brig Gen Kefa Nangeso, Dean of Studies NDC-U; and Prof Rutanga, Head of Postgraduate Studies, were also present.