Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have held the third Joint Defence Committee Meeting (JDC) in Mbale Resort Hotel, Mbale. The 3rd JDC is a follow-up of the second which was held in March 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The two days meeting (17-18 August) was chaired by 3 Division Commander, Major General Don William Nabasa and co-chaired by Brigadier Edward Rugendo of Kenya Defence Forces.
Maj Gen Nabasa said that the JDC was instituted to strengthen the cordial relations between UPDF and KDF for the betterment of the two brotherly countries and the region given the similar security challenges that can be overcome or mitigated through recommendations by JDC and other related arrangements. “Our security challenges are quite similar which are not limited to terrorism, livestock theft, proliferation of small arms and criminality on Lake Victoria that impact on peace and security in the region,” said Maj Gen Nabasa
He explained that such synergy is crucial to strengthen defence and security in order to facilitate the socio-economic transformation of the two countries and the entire East African Community region.
The 3 Division Commander thanked the leaderships of KDF and UPDF for their timely response to calls to take part in important meetings and facilitate the rotational program.
Brig Edward Rugendo, commended the leadership of UPDF for its continued commitment to addressing the common regional security challenges.
“The basis of existing strong bilateral relations between the two countries is anchored on sharing similar interests, beliefs and traditions, especially the common borderline communities,” said Brig Rugendo.
Brig Rugendo said that with good neighbourhoods, the two sister countries continue to take advantage of shared destiny, opportunities and overcome challenges for the betterment of the lives of East Africans.
Both Generals recognized the contribution of UPDF and KDF in fostering security in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
At the end, the two General Officers, on behalf of their respective forces signed a report of the 3rd Joint Defence Committee Meeting.
The members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) included; Brig Stephen Huria, Col Patrick Nkaduda, Lt Col Orwa Odhiambo, Lt Col Stephen Lobokot, Maj Abdullah Kalicha and Maj Dickson Mawia.
While the UPDF delegation included; Brig Gen Michael Nyarwa, Commander Marines, Col David Lumumba, Col Yunus Bagada, Col Moses Wandira, Lt Col Fred Wemba and Lt Col Hamza Kasaijja among others.
