Gen. Kainerugaba, Malian counterpart agree to enhance defence cooperation

During the meeting held on Wednesday, June 5, both defence chiefs, accompanied by senior commanders from their respective armies, agreed to enhance military-to-military cooperation and strengthen the existing memoranda of understanding between Uganda and Mali.

Gen. Diarra formally invited Gen. Kainerugaba, who is also a senior presidential adviser on special operations, to visit Mali when his schedule permits.

Gen. Diarra, who was among the guests at the passing-out parade of 777 cadet officers from Uganda and other countries at Kaweweta Basic Military Training School in Nakaseke on Tuesday, June 4, promised to send more officers and soldiers for training in Uganda.

Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga and SFC Commander Maj. Gen. David Mugisha also attended the Wednesday meeting.

Meanwhile, the pass-out ceremony at Kaweweta was presided over by President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the commander-in-chief, and he cautioned the cadet officers against adopting career-focused attitudes in the army, urging them to prioritise sacrificial service.

“Do not bring careerism into our army,” Museveni stated, echoing Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who termed military leadership as a "profound responsibility."

“I congratulate you. As Gen. Muhoozi, the CDF, mentioned, the issue with African armies is viewing the military as a job rather than a duty to defend their countries. Defending your country is a responsibility, not a job,” Museveni said.

Reflecting on how he transformed the UPDF from a small group to a large army, Museveni noted that careerism has plagued Somalia, with citizens demanding salaries to defend their nation.