Ugandan Defence Attachés Urged to Advance National Interests Abroad

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, has called upon Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Defence Attachés and Advisors to serve as dedicated representatives of Uganda’s interests in their countries of assignment.

 

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Lt Gen Okiding addressed the opening of a three-day annual retreat for Defence Attachés and Advisors at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya. “You are the eyes of this country and the UPDF. Your role is essentially about representation, and you are expected to identify opportunities that can benefit Uganda – whether in trade, politics, or other areas,” he stated. Emphasising the necessity of aligning their work with Uganda’s foreign policy, he urged them to prioritise advancing the country’s economic and political objectives.

 

Lt Gen Okiding advised Attachés to maintain professionalism while collaborating with Ambassadors, who head missions, to avoid potential conflicts. He also highlighted the importance of cultural awareness, noting that understanding the culture and people of their host nations is crucial for effective representation.

 

Maj Gen James Birungi, Chief of Defence and Intelligence, reinforced the call for robust engagement with regional blocs like the East African Community. He praised these alliances as vital to addressing shared challenges, a vision championed by the President and Commander-in-Chief, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

 

The retreat saw participation from senior officials, including Ambassador John Leonard Mugerwa, Chief of Joint Staff Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, and Brig Gen Alex Olupot of Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other dignitaries.