The United Kingdom has commended Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for its role in establishing peace in both Somalia and South Sudan.

This was observed on Thursday at a meeting between the UPDF Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Wilson Mbadi and the United Kingdom Chief of Staff (Operations) at the Permanent Joint Headquarters, Air Vice Marshall (AVM) Waterfall.

Lt Gen Wilson Mbadi, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi, and Air Vice Marshall Waterfall, discussed areas that can strengthen the bilateral defence relationship between Uganda and the United Kingdom.

Lt Gen Mbadi commended the United Kingdom for the continued support to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) which has enhanced the latter’s capacity most especially in peace support operations.

AVM Waterfall applauded the Uganda Government for its role towards the stabilization of both Somalia and South Sudan, saying that this is a real sacrifice considering the situation in these two countries.

“I am here to express my sincere gratitude to Uganda for its role in establishing peace in Somalia and would like to listen to Uganda’s perspective on the future of Somalia,” noted Waterfall.

He further promised to establish mechanisms that can further strengthen the existing relationship between the two militaries.

AVM Waterfall was accompanied to the meeting at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters by the British High Commissioner to Uganda H.E Peter West, and senior UK Military officers.

The meeting was attended by the UPDF Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Joseph Musanyufu, Chief of Staff Air Force Brig James Birungi, Commandant of the Peace Support Operations Training Centre Brig Jack Bakasumba, Defence Spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire and Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence Brig Henry Isoke.