ENTEBBE– The European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, His Excellency Johan Borgstam, on Friday, met the Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Muhanga Kayanja, who was representing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The courtesy call took place at the Special Forces Command Headquarters in Entebbe.
Lt Gen Kayanja, on behalf of the CDF, briefed the EU envoy on the experiences of the joint UPDF and FARDC (DRC Army) operations in Eastern DRC.
The envoy, who is well versed with DRC and had flown in from Bunia in Eastern DRC on his routine tour of the region, expressed the EU’s appreciation for the work done by the UPDF in restoring normalcy in areas where the forces have jointly operated with FARDC to flush out the ADF since December 2021.
H.E. Johan Borgstam called upon the UPDF to continue working closely with other well-intentioned partners such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of DRC affected by the conflict. He observed that despite the difficult terrain, the UPDF has made significant progress in its joint operations with the Congolese Army.
Lt Gen Kayanja, on behalf of the CDF, briefed the envoy and his delegation on the progress of the operations and the gains made so far, which have seen many Congolese returning to their homes, schools reopening, and trade booming. He expressed the UPDF’s
willingness to work with all well-intentioned partners in DRC to eliminate the ADF terrorists and create lasting peace in the region.
H.E. Jan Sadak, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation, who was part of the EU team, extended greetings and appreciation from the Foreign Minister of the European Union for the work the UPDF is doing in Somalia. He also extended his condolences for the gallant UPDF soldiers working under ATMIS who lost their lives in the recent helicopter crash in Somalia.
H.E. Borgstam was accompanied by Mr Tristan Terryn, Political Advisor to the EUSR, Mr Guillaume Chartrain, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation, and Mr Toke Hauch Arnold, Political Advisor to the EU Delegation.
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has commended the exceptional discipline, precision, and teamwork exhibited by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) during the 17th edition of the CDF Cup, which concluded successfully in Masaka.
The Special Forces Command (SFC) football team defeated 3 Division in a highly competitive final to claim the trophy.
The closing ceremony was attended by high-ranking military and civilian leaders, including the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (DCDF), Lt Gen Sam Okiding; division commanders; service chiefs; and other senior officers. Former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi also graced the occasion.
In his remarks, the CDF emphasized the vital role of such events in strengthening the force. “What we have seen here has been far more than simple games; it has been a powerful demonstration of our military ethos in action. At the range ground, we could see a demonstration of impeccable skill, calmness under pressure, and absolute mastery of your tools of trade,” the CDF stated.
Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the DCDF, praised the CDF for his unwavering commitment to team building and described him as “a true team player.” He further highlighted the operational readiness displayed during the events, noting, “The precision witnessed on the shooting range demonstrated that if these games were an operation against a rebel group, only a coward would have survived by running away.”
Maj Gen Deus Sande, the Host Division Commander, thanked the CDF for honoring the event and the people of Masaka with his presence.
Brig Gen Richard Karemire, Joint Staff Formal Education, Sports and Culture, attributed the success of the two-week event to the steadfast support of the CDF.
The activities were held at Masaka Senior Secondary School.
The CDF congratulated all participants and organizers, reaffirming that in the spirit of the UPDF family, “there are no losers.” He urged soldiers to carry the lessons of discipline, precision, and camaraderie into their duties for the nation.
The event featured range shooting, football, and netball competitions, all designed to enhance combat readiness and strengthen bonds within the force.
