The Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, has reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to strengthening defence relations with Mali, emphasizing the importance of expanding military cooperation through training, professional exchanges, and collective efforts to address regional security challenges.
He made the remarks on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces while receiving a delegation from the Mali War College (École de Guerre du Mali) at the Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Mbuya.
The delegation consisted of 27 course participants accompanied by eight faculty members who are undertaking a study tour in Uganda.
Addressing the delegation, Lt Gen Bakasumba said Uganda and Mali continue to enjoy cordial military relations anchored on a memorandum of understanding on military training. He noted that the partnership has enabled the UPDF to contribute to the professional development of the Malian Armed Forces through officer training programmes.
"Our relationship with Mali is very good. We have a memorandum of understanding, and so far we have trained 58 Malian officer cadets," he said.
He said the UPDF has invested significantly in building a professional and capable force through a comprehensive military education and training system that caters for personnel at every stage of their careers.
According to him, the force has developed the capacity to conduct military courses ranging from basic recruit training to the National Defence College.
"We have built capacity in training, and we are conducting courses from basic military training up to the National Defence College," he said.
Lt Gen Bakasumba also highlighted the UPDF's contribution to regional peace and security, saying the force has distinguished itself through operations conducted across the region. He attributed those achievements to the political commitment of President Museveni, whom he credited with consistently advocating for African-led solutions to Africa's security challenges.
"We were the first country to deploy troops to Somalia even though we do not share a border with the country. We cannot sit back and wait for others to come and help us when we have the capacity to address our own challenges," he said.
He thanked the leadership of the Mali War College for choosing Uganda as one of the destinations for the study tour, describing the visit as an indication of the growing confidence and cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. He expressed optimism that continued engagements would further strengthen the existing defence partnership.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Brigadier General Mousa Yoro Kante commended President Museveni for supporting the professional development of the Malian Armed Forces through military training opportunities offered by the UPDF.
"We thank His Excellency for the support he is offering to these young officers, and I am confident that this study tour will reinforce the cooperation between our two countries even further," he said.
Brig Gen Kante further announced that Mali has allocated 23 training slots to the UPDF, including one at the Mali War College (École de Guerre du Mali), describing the offer as another step towards deepening military cooperation and strengthening professional exchanges between the two defence forces.
The engagement was attended by generals and senior officers of the UPDF.
