Gen Mbadi tips CAR defence chief on building army

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Wilson Mbadi, has reiterated the commitment of the UPDF towards the implementation of the areas of cooperation in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Uganda and the Central African Republic that was signed in January 2024, in Kampala.

“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,” Gen Mbadi said.

Mbadi made the remarks during a meeting with the CAR minister of national defence and army reconstruction, Claude Rameaux Bireau, at the defence and veteran affairs headquarters in Mbuya on Monday.

He expressed willingness to share UPDF’s experience to the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), especially through training and as requested by the leadership of the Central African Republic.

“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,” said Mbadi as he underscored the development of Uganda as a result of peace and security.

In his remarks, Claude Rameaux Bireau said 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.

He said that while they started with military cooperation with Uganda, they wish to open more doors because without security there cannot be development.

Minister Bireau commended the UPDF for its commitment towards implementing the different aspects as stipulated in the MoU and equally thanked the UPDF for the training opportunities it has offered to the Central African Armed Forces.

Present at the meeting included: the Chief of Military Intelligence, Maj Gen James Birungi, Chief Political Commissar, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Chief of Personnel and Administration, Brig Gen James Kinalwa, Chief of Legal Services, Brig Gen Godard Busingye, Deputy Chief of Medical Services, Brig Gen Patrick Ocen.

The CAR Delegation included: Brig Gen Arcadius Betibangui, Col Thierry Konzale and Col Thierry Yarafa.