The Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, has highlighted the transformation of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces into a professional force, citing its structured organization and growing capacity to execute operations and respond to evolving security challenges.
Speaking at the Defence Intelligence and Security headquarters in Mbuya today during a meeting with a delegation from the Senior Command and Staff College Kinanira, Burundi, the Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, underscored the UPDF’s operational capacity, stating, “We have the built capacity and can undertake any assigned task militarily to the required end state.”
He equally noted that the UPDF has developed its training capacity, starting from recruits to the National Defence College.
Reflecting on Uganda’s regional contributions, Maj Gen Bakasumba highlighted the UPDF’s pioneering role as the first African country to deploy troops to Somalia under the African Union Mission (AMISOM) in March 2007, followed by Burundi, adding, “We have a very cordial working relationship.”
Maj Gen Bakasumba emphasized the importance of African-led solutions, stating, “Although we don’t share a border with Somalia, we went there to contribute to African solutions for African problems,”
Colonel Jonas Sabushimike who led the delegation from the Senior Command and Staff College Kinanira of Burundi, led by Col Jonas Sabushimike, said that the tour, which is part of the academic program for Course 08/09 – 24/25, aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and fostering sustainable peace and security.
Col Sabushimike, who also serves as the Chief Instructor at the college, said they chose Uganda for the study tour because of its “strong commitment to regional cooperation and its exemplary role in socio-economic development,” praising the country’s key role in regional security and transformation.
Speaking on behalf of the student group, Lt Col Balaam Ainomugisha expressed deep gratitude for the enlightening presentations, noting, “These insights have deepened our understanding of Uganda’s active role in foreign missions and its strategic importance in regional integration.”
Present were: the Joint Staff Logistics, Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba; Joint Staff Finance Brig Gen Robert Mugabe; the Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Brig Gen Abdul Rugumayo; Deputy Joint Staff Human Resource Management, Brig Gen Chris Bagonza; Commandant Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership and Pan-African Centre of Excellence, Brig Gen Justus Rukundo; Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Burundi, Brig Gen Simon Ocan and senior officers among others.
