The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has emphasised the importance of strong regional security mechanisms in coordinating and strengthening partnerships between neighbouring militaries.
The Chief of Staff-Land Force, Major General Jack Bakasumba, recognised the Defence Cooperation Agreement as the legal instrument binding the nations to cooperate and address common strategic security interests.
Bakasumba made these remarks on November 3, 2023, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters, where he represented the Joint Chief of Staff as the UPDF hosted a delegation from the Malawi Defence Forces. The meeting was aimed at sharing experiences and understanding solutions to global security challenges.
“The relationship between Malawi and Uganda is not to be taken for granted given the similar threats we have faced by the two countries,” Bakasumba stated.
Bakasumba further thanked the Malawian delegation for espousing a cordial relationship with Uganda, adding that working together strengthened an existing good relationship between the two countries.
Maj. General George Jaffu, Chief of Staff of the Malawi Defence Forces and leader of the delegation, thanked the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Gen. (Rtd.), Yoweri K. Museveni, for accepting their invitation to attend and address issues.
“It is not a secret that Malawi and Uganda have had friendly relations since time immemorial. The two countries share a common denominator, so it’s no surprise that we face similar opportunities and risks,” Jaffu stated.
Jaffu thanked UPDF and desired to tap into and benefit from its experience. He hoped that the meeting would help them discuss and propose various areas of cooperation, which may include intelligence coordination and sharing of legal information, the defence industry, logistics, exchange visits, and other areas that may be deemed imperative from time to time.
The meeting was attended by the UPDF Deputy Chief of Legal Services, Col. Moses Wandera; Director of Strategic Intelligence, Col. David Lumumba; Col. Kenneth Shillingi; Malawi Chief of Military Intelligence, Brig. Gen. H.B. Dzoole; and Malawi Chief of Legal Services, Col. GA Mittawa, among other officers.
