Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff, underscored the importance of African nations collaborating to tackle regional security issues. Addressing a delegation of Directing Staff and Students from the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management, Maj Gen Bakasumba, representing the Chief of Defence Forces, reiterated that “African solutions for African challenges” can only be realized through sustained joint training and coordinated operations.
The meeting, held today at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya, was part of the Nigerian delegation’s regional visit themed “Strengthening National Security Through Regional Collaboration.”
He reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to regional peace initiatives, guided by Pan-Africanism and a strong ideological foundation. “The Ugandan soldier must be informed about what they are fighting for and why,” he noted, stressing the necessity of political commitment in regional interventions.
Maj Gen Bakasumba expressed confidence in Africa’s self-reliance for security, stating, “The security of our region and the continent rests in our hands. We are capable and have the strength to safeguard Africa.”
The Nigerian delegation, led by Commandant Maj Gen Wilson Benjamin Etuk, praised Uganda’s substantial role in regional security efforts. Maj Gen Etuk remarked that Uganda and Nigeria share a longstanding relationship, particularly between their military institutions, founded on shared principles and cooperation, which has enabled UPDF officers to partake in various military courses in Nigeria. He also referenced Uganda’s first Chief Justice, Sir Egbert Udo Udoma.
Among those in attendance were: Joint Staff – Logistics, Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba; Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Brig Gen Abdul Rugumayo, and other senior UPDF Officers.
