UPDF Ready to Assist in Building CAR’s Military, Says CDF Mbadi

Summary:

• Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, reaffirms UPDF’s commitment to assist in building CAR’s military. Both countries emphasize the importance of security for development, as outlined in their Memorandum of Understanding.

Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, the Chief of Defence Forces, stated that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are prepared to assist in building a robust military in the Central African Republic (CAR). Speaking on Monday evening, Gen Mbadi emphasized that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between UPDF and CAR earlier in the year would be diligently implemented to establish a formidable army from the ground up, drawing parallels to Uganda’s own military development since 1986.

Gen Mbadi affirmed that with political determination, it is feasible to construct a military force from scratch, citing Uganda as a prime example of such progression. He pledged collaborative efforts to bolster CAR’s security capabilities during a meeting with the Minister of National Defence and Army Reconstruction, Claude Rameaux Bireau, at Mbuya.

Highlighting Uganda’s journey through similar challenges and crises, Gen Mbadi stressed the pivotal role of a strong military in fostering peace, security, and ultimately, development, echoing the progress witnessed in Uganda.

In response, Bireau underscored the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding, emphasizing its alignment with the Pan-African ideology and the mutual commitment of Uganda and CAR to enhance South-to-South cooperation. He expressed gratitude for UPDF’s dedication to implementing the agreed-upon terms of the MoU, recognizing the crucial link between security and development.

CAR’s minister commended UPDF for its contributions, particularly in providing training opportunities, and expressed a desire to expand military cooperation further. The meeting, attended by high-ranking officials from both sides, including UPDF Chief of Military Intelligence Maj Gen James Birungi and UPDF Chief Political Commissar Maj Gen Henry Masiko, demonstrated the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering security and development in the region.