The United States government has commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for its immense contribution towards peace and stability in Africa.
This was during the meeting between the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi and US Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Africa Amb Makila James at the UPDF headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
In Wednesday’s meeting, the two leaders discussed the security situation in the region noting the growing menace by ADF terrorists in Eastern DRC. They said that the situation in Eastern DRC needs close monitoring but welcomed the improved situation in Somalia and South Sudan.
Ambassador Makila expressed gratitude for UPDF’s outstanding contribution towards the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) since 2007.
“I had a very short visit to Mogadishu. Your contribution to AMISOM is very significant. It is a major sacrifice and I thank you,” Ambassador Malika told Gen David Muhoozi during the meeting.
“I carry strong words of support and thanks from the leadership in Washington for your participation in AMISOM,” she added.
She said that the Ugandan contingent has been “the tip of the spear” and the “heart and soul” of the peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
Ambassador Malika revealed that she was in Somalia to assess the size of the AMISOM, the mission and most importantly the efforts to build the capacity of Somalia itself against terror threat.
She and Gen Muhoozi expressed optimism at the positive development in neighboring South Sudan pointing out that there is light at the end of the tunnel thanks to IGAD supported peace process.
Gen Muhoozi reiterated UPDF commitment to peace operations and thanked the US government for the continued support.
The meeting was attended by U.S Ambassador H.E Deborah Malac and UPDF Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Joseph Musanyufu among others.
