Lt Gen Okiding Calls For Greater African Cooperation On Strategic Defence

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, has reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Uganda and Zimbabwe, describing the two countries as brothers with shared historical and cultural bonds.

Lt Gen Okiding made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with a delegation from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya. He said relations among African countries should be anchored in mutual respect, cooperation and the ability to address common challenges without excessive dependence on external actors.

“Our historical and cultural ties extend beyond the colonial borders drawn during the colonial era,” Lt Gen Okiding said.

He said the changing security environment requires African countries to work together, share intelligence and develop collective strategic defence capabilities.

“How best can we protect Africa? By us coming together. When we come together, that is when we shall build very strong strategic defence. Strategic defence does not come from one individual or one country,” he said.

The Deputy Chief of Staff – Defence Intelligence and Security of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Brigadier General Maxwell Masuku, commended the UPDF for its professionalism, hospitality and growing capacity to develop solutions to Africa’s security and development challenges.

Brig Gen Masuku highlighted the delegation’s visit to Dei BioPharma, a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Matugga, describing it as one of the highlights of the three-day engagement. He said the experience demonstrated Uganda’s efforts to strengthen local pharmaceutical production and reduce dependence on imported medicines.

“I promise to be your ambassador. We loved what we saw and promised that we are going to talk greatly about the strides Uganda is taking to ensure drugs are made within the African continent,” Brig Gen Masuku said.

The meeting was attended by Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, alongside senior and junior UPDF officers.