The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, recently participated in the 116th National Army celebrations of the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) in Addis Ababa. The event, held at Meskel Square on October 26, gathered senior military officers from various African nations to commemorate the occasion.
General Mbadi, invited to the celebration, engaged with counterparts such as Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelalcha, Chief of General Staff for the Ethiopian National Defence Forces. The CDF also conveyed a special message from Gen. Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, to the people of Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian National Defence Forces used the celebrations to reaffirm their commitment to peace, stability, and the historic anti-colonial achievements of the army. The event highlighted the force’s preparedness to uphold its national legacy. The festivities showcased the camaraderie among African military leaders, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.
As part of his visit, Gen. Mbadi paid a courtesy call to Field Marshal Gelalcha at the Ethiopia Defence Forces Headquarters. Discussions between the leaders covered bilateral issues, including regional security and broader security concerns on the African continent.
Additionally, General Mbadi visited the African Union Headquarters, where he engaged with Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, the Director of the Conflict Management Directorate of Political Affairs Peace and Security Department. The visit emphasized the importance of collaboration between African nations in addressing security challenges and fostering continental stability.
During a meeting with a team of expert researchers led by Prof Wafula, an East African academician based in the United Kingdom, Gen. Mbadi reiterated the significance of African solutions to address regional issues. The discussions emphasized the need to prioritize border security, considering that many borders were arbitrarily created during the colonial era.
