Major General Bakasumba Praises Indian Military As Officers Complete Tour Of Duty In Uganda

The Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, has extended appreciation to the Indian Armed Forces for their continued support in military training and their long-standing partnership with Uganda.

“Thank you most sincerely for the training support you are giving us. We truly appreciate it and do not take it for granted. A friend in need is a friend indeed,” said Maj Gen Bakasumba.

He made the remarks as he bid farewell to four Indian military officers who completed a two-year tour of duty in Uganda. The event took place at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters in Mbuya.

The meeting also explored ways to deepen military cooperation, particularly in training and infrastructure development.

The outgoing officers served in various capacities within the UPDF’s departments of Operations, Communications, and the Air Force. They are expected to return to India later this month, while a new team of Indian officers is set to arrive in Uganda shortly.

Brig Gen Bhupendra Singh, who led the team, expressed gratitude for the collaboration and support received from the UPDF throughout their mission. “On behalf of the people of India, I would like to express our gratitude for all the assistance we received from the Office of the Chief of Joint Staff during our stay here,” he said.

The Indian officers were based at the Senior Command and Staff College–Kimaka, where they played a significant role in instruction and training across multiple departments.

Uganda and India share a long-standing defence relationship, which includes the deployment of Indian military training teams in Uganda, training opportunities for Ugandan officers in India, and ongoing professional exchanges aimed at enhancing mutual capacity.