Maj Gen Bakasumba Commends Uganda-Nigeria Military Ties, Urges Stronger Partnership

Major General Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has hailed the strong and “cordial” military relationship between Uganda and Nigeria, calling for deeper cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces.

Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Maj Gen Bakasumba made the remarks while hosting a 30-member delegation from the Army War College Nigeria at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya. The Nigerian student officers and directing staff are in Uganda as part of a regional study tour.

Citing President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership and Pan-African vision, Maj Gen Bakasumba said Uganda has developed a robust capacity to train its forces and engage in military operations. “We have built a strong capacity to train our forces and have conducted many operations because our President has the spirit of Pan-Africanism,” he stated.

He reiterated the UPDF’s commitment to regional peace and the importance of addressing African challenges with African-led solutions. “We do not share borders with Somalia, but because of our ideological clarity and willpower, we do not rely on foreigners to fight for us. We have the capacity to handle our security,” he said.

Maj Gen Bakasumba also thanked the Nigerian delegation for selecting Uganda as a destination, viewing the visit as an endorsement of the UPDF’s growing regional standing.

Supporting this sentiment, Maj Gen Richard Otto, Chief of Intelligence and Security, reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to internal and external peacekeeping missions. “The UPDF remains steadfast in providing security and is committed to peacekeeping missions both internally and externally,” he said.

Leading the Nigerian delegation, Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Maj Gen Umar Alkali, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage with UPDF leadership. “It is a great honour and privilege to be hosted here. We have learned a lot, and tours like this are very important for us,” he said, noting the visit had met all its objectives and encouraging continued cooperation.

The session was attended by senior UPDF officers, including Maj Gen Don Nabasa, Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, and Col DM Bozegah, Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to Uganda.

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