The Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Major General Jack Bakasumba, has praised the Indian Armed Forces for their continued support in military training and cooperation, as four Indian officers concluded a two-year deployment in Uganda.
Speaking during a farewell event held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters in Mbuya, Bakasumba expressed gratitude for India’s contributions to Uganda’s military development.
“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,” he said.
The outgoing officers, who served in UPDF departments including Operations, Communications, and the Air Force, were part of a bilateral effort to strengthen defence collaboration. Their mission included work at the Senior Command and Staff College–Kimaka, where they supported instruction and training programs.
Brigadier General Bhupendra Singh, who led the Indian team, commended the UPDF for its cooperation during their tour.
“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.
Discussions during the meeting also focused on expanding military cooperation in areas such as training and infrastructure development. A new contingent of Indian officers is expected to arrive in Uganda later this month.
India and Uganda have maintained a long-standing defence relationship, with regular personnel exchanges and joint training initiatives aimed at building professional capacity in both forces.
