African Military Chiefs Discuss Cooperation in Uganda

Gen. Mbadi’s Call for Pan-African Collaboration

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Wilson Mbadi, has urged for the establishment of robust and enduring collaborative relationships to advance the Pan-African agenda, with a particular focus on the armed forces.

Meeting of Military Leaders

Gen. Mbadi made this statement during a meeting with Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.

Historical Roots of Pan-Africanism

During the meeting, Gen. Mbadi highlighted the shared Pan-African history between Uganda and Ghana, which continues to drive the Pan-Africanist agenda. This vision was originally championed by the former Prime Minister and President of Ghana, Nkwame Nkrumah. Gen. Mbadi noted the significant support provided by Ghana in the realm of professional military education and professionalism. He mentioned the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) and the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping and Training Centre (KAIPTC) as crucial avenues of collaboration.

Focus on Professional Military Education

Both countries, Uganda and Ghana, remain committed proponents of professional military education. They aspire to promote Pan-Africanism by enhancing harmonization, interoperability, and cooperation among African military institutions.

Collaboration for Socioeconomic Transformation

Gen. Mbadi underlined that continued collaborative efforts represent a powerful tool for achieving socioeconomic transformation across the continent. He emphasized the importance of military trust, respect, integration, resource pooling, research, innovation, and the political federation of regional blocks for security and defense.

Ghana’s Perspective

Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, CDS of the Ghana Armed Forces, expressed his appreciation for the warm relations between Ghana and Uganda. He recognized the historical training of senior officers from Uganda at the Ghana Staff College. Additionally, he highlighted the intention of Ghana to benchmark Uganda’s defense college as they move forward with their own defense college initiative.

Deepening Diplomatic and Military Relations

Both leaders acknowledged the depth of the relationship between Ghana and Uganda, spanning diplomatic, political, and military cooperation. Vice Admiral Seth Amoama encouraged further exploration to strengthen these relations and leverage mutual benefits. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the 17th African Conference of Commandants with a lecture on Peace Support Operations in Africa.

Key Attendees

The meeting also saw the participation of several key military figures, including Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, Joint Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda, Chief of Staff – Air Force Brig. Gen. David Gonyi, Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence Brig. Gen. Abdul Rugumayo, Chief of Training and Recruitment Brig. Gen. Mathew Gureme, and Chief of Military Policy and Strategy Brig. Gen. Irumba Tingira, among others.

Key Attendees