Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have held the third Joint Defence Committee Meeting (JDC) in Mbale Resort Hotel, Mbale. The 3rd JDC is a follow-up to the second, which was held in March 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The two days meeting (17-18 August) was chaired by 3rd Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Don Nabasa, and co-chaired by Brig. Edward Rugendo of the Kenya Defence Forces.
According to Maj. Gen. Nabasa, the JDC was established to foster friendly ties between the UPDF and KDF for the benefit of the two friendly nations as well as the region, given the shared security challenges that can be resolved or at least lessened through the JDC’s recommendations and other related arrangements.
“Our security challenges are quite similar, which are not limited to terrorism, livestock theft, proliferation of small arms, and criminality on Lake Victoria that impact peace and security in the region,” Maj. Gen. Nabasa said.
Maj. Gen. Nabasa explained that this kind of cooperation is essential for bolstering security and defence in order to support the socioeconomic transition of the two nations as well as the wider East African Community.
The commander of the 3rd Division commended the KDF and UPDF leadership for their prompt participation in crucial meetings and support of the rotational program.
Brig. Rugendo applauded UPDF leadership for its ongoing dedication to addressing the shared security problems in the region.
“The basis of existing strong bilateral relations between the two countries is anchored on sharing similar interests, beliefs, and traditions, especially the common borderline communities,” Brig. Rugendo said.
According to Brig. Rugendo, the two sister nations continue to benefit from their shared destiny, opportunities, and difficulties in order to improve the lives of people in East Africa.
Both generals acknowledged the UPDF and KDF’s role in fostering security in the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
At the end, the two General Officers, on behalf of their respective forces, signed a report of the 3rd Joint Defence Committee Meeting.
The members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) included Brig Stephen Huria, Col Patrick Nkaduda, Lt Col Orwa Odhiambo, Lt Col Stephen Lobokot, Maj Abdullah Kalicha and Maj Dickson Mawia.
While the UPDF delegation included; Brig Gen Michael Nyarwa, Commander Marines, Col David Lumumba, Col Yunus Bagada, Col Moses Wandira, Lt Col Fred Wemba, and Lt Col Hamza Kasaijja, among others.
