UPDF, Equatorial Guinea military strengthen ties

Uganda and Equatorial Guinea have held a bilateral meeting aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.

A delegation from the Armed Forces of Equatorial Guinea led by Brig Alejandro Mitogo Nnencongo from the Force Headquarters department of Personnel and Administration on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen David Muhoozi at the UPDF Headquarters – Mbuya.

The visit was aimed at reviewing the training programme between the UPDF and the Armed Forces of Equatorial Guinea, based on the already existing agreement between the two countries.

While receiving the delegation, Gen Muhoozi applauded Equatorial Guinea for maintaining a strong partnership with Uganda initiated by the countries’ Heads of State.

He reaffirmed UPDF readiness to support the just cause of capacity building of sister forces on the continent whenever called upon.

“All our training teams are doing a wonderful job which is all as a result of a strong Military cooperation between us. As UPDF, we shall not turn back but rather add more’’Gen.Muhoozi said.

The CDF encouraged the delegation to multiply their forces by using the now trained officers to train others.

He also hinted at   plans to open diplomatic posts in both countries so that cooperation can be deepened in all areas of mutual interest.

Brig Alejandro Mitogo Nnencongo on behalf of the Government of Equatorial Guinea applauded President Museveni, who is also   Commander-In-Chief for allowing UPDF to train their officers.

The meeting was attended by Maj Gen Peter Elwelu the Commander Land Forces (CLF), Maj Gen Charles Lutaya, Commander of Airforce (CAF) and Maj Gen Joseph Musanyufu the Joint Chief of Staff (JCOS) among others.

The Ugandan government last year sent UPDF troops to Equatorial Guinea to help build of “an army of a brotherly country” according to the army spokesperson Brig.Richard Karemire.

The team dubbed Uganda Military Training and Mentoring Team (UMTMT) according to the army publicist was deployed in accordance to section 40 of the UPDF Act.

The Ugandan army is rated high among the forces in the neighbouring countries partly because of its success in Somalia and South Sudan.