In a move to bolster regional security, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, and his Malian counterpart, Chief of General Staff Major General Oumar Diarra, have signed a military cooperation agreement. This development demonstrates the growing partnership between Uganda and Mali, aimed at combating common security threats and promoting stability between the two African nations.
The agreement signing follows a meeting between General Kainerugaba and Major General Diarra in June this year at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe.
In June, Gen Diarra and his delegation were in Uganda to attend the pass-out ceremony of cadet officers at Kaweweta. Nineteen Malian officers were part of the cohort.
During today’s discussions at the SFC headquarters, the two defence chiefs acknowledged the importance of strengthening military-to-military cooperation and enhancing the existing memoranda of understanding between their countries.
Under the agreement, Uganda and Mali will collaborate on various defence initiatives, including joint training exercises, intelligence sharing and capacity building, among other areas.
This cooperation is expected to boost the capabilities of both nations in addressing security challenges such as terrorism, insurgency and transnational organised crime.
General Kainerugaba hailed the agreement, emphasising the significance of regional cooperation in ensuring peace and stability.
Major General Diarra echoed similar sentiments, expressing his gratitude to General Kainerugaba for hosting him and reaffirming Mali’s commitment to the partnership.
The signing of the military cooperation agreement marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to strengthen its defence ties with sister African countries.
