The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and Algerian People’s National Armed Forces have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger military cooperation during a dinner hosted on Saturday at Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala.
The dinner was hosted for participants from the Algerian High War College, who were in Uganda for a week-long study tour that included five college staff and 14 participants; 11 Algerians and three others from France, Palestine, and Uganda.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, represented by Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the Director Defence Public Information, described Algeria as a “big brother” to Uganda, highlighting its revolutionary history as a source of inspiration for both the UPDF and the country as a whole.
He encouraged the visiting delegation to return to Uganda in the future as tourists.
Brig Gen Rabah Benhamouda, representing the Algerian delegation, expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his Pan-African vision and lauded Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for strengthening military relations.
He also commended Uganda’s hospitality and cultural heritage.
“We shall never forget our time in Uganda and next time, we are coming back as tourists,” said Brig Gen Benhamouda.
The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba; Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija; the Joint Staff Human Resource Management, Brig Gen James Kinalwa; Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Brig Gen Abdul Rugumayo; Chief of Staff Special Forces Command, Brig Gen Paul Namawa, and the Director General External Security Organization, Ambassador Joseph Ocwet, among others.
