The French Defence Attaché, Lt. Col. Yam Chollet, has commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) efforts towards creating peace in the region.
According to Lt. Chollet, the UPDF has played a big role in regional stability and peacekeeping efforts.
“I appreciate your capabilities and highly professional army for providing peace and stability,” he remarked.
He stated this during a meeting with the Chief of Joint Staff, Maj. Gen. Jackson Bakasumba, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters in Mbuya, on May 15, 2024.
The French Defence Attaché stated that the purpose of the visit was to prepare for the upcoming visit of the French Defence Director for security and defence cooperation to Uganda.
Maj. Gen. Bakasumba thanked the French government for its training support for the UPDF, which has significantly enhanced the fight against terrorism.
“We share the credit with you, our partners. Thank you so much for that support. We appreciate the training support so much. UPDF soldiers reach the mission area when they are well trained, and their performance is very good, as expected by the leadership,” Maj. Gen. Bakasumba said.
Others present in the meeting were: Col. Younes Bagada, the Assistant Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (Defence and International Engagements); Col. William Kakuru, the Military Assistant to the Chief of Joint Staff; Maj. Jeannot Xavier; and Ms. Pigot Juliette, who accompanied the French Defence Attaché.
Recently, Maj. Gen. Bakasumba also hosted the Italian Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Mauro Massoni, where he reassured citizens and foreigners that Uganda is generally safe for business and tourism to flourish.
The bilateral meeting at the MODVA headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in training, equipment, and business.
Maj. Gen. Bakasumba praised the Italian government for its significant support in stabilising Uganda through various socio-economic transformation programmes.
