The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi has said Uganda People’s Defence Forces UPDF is ready to build a strong military in Central African Republic -CAR.
Gen Mbadi Monday evening said the Memorandum of Understanding UPDF signed with CAR at the beginning of year will be implemented to ensure a strong army is built from scratch just like Uganda has done since 1986.
“Once there is political will, it is very possible to build an army from scratch. We are a very good example of such a force that has come from scratch to what everybody is now admiring,” said Gen Mbadi.
Gen Mbadi promised the cooperation to build an army that is ready to handle CAR’s security matters while meeting the country’s Minister of National Defence and Army Reconstruction Claude Rameaux Bireau at Mbuya.
“We equally went through that stage of crisis but with the leadership of our President, he focused on building a force so that it can provide peace and security in the country,” Gen Mbadi said. He emphasized that it is important to have a strong military because it leads to development like is happening in Uganda.
Bireau explained that the MoU was a result of the Pan-African ideology and willingness of the Presidents of Uganda and the Central African Republic to promote South-to-South cooperation.
“Our military cooperation has started with Uganda but we wish to open more doors because without security there cannot be development,” Bireau said. “I commended the UPDF for its commitment towards implementing the different aspects as stipulated in the MoU.”
CAR’s minister equally applauded UPDF for the training opportunities it has offered to his country. Gen Mbadi and Bureau’s meeting was attended by UPDF Chief of Military Intelligence, Maj Gen James Birungi, and UPDF Chief Political Commissar, Maj Gen Henry Masiko.
Others present included Chief of Personnel and Administration, Brig Gen James Kinalwa, Chief of Legal Services, Brig Gen Godard Busingye, Deputy Chief of Medical Services, Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ocen while CAR’s military delegation included Brig Gen Arcadius Betibangui, Col Thierry Konzale and Col Thierry Yarafa.
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