KAMPALA: The government of India has donated an assortment of vehicles and motorcycles to the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) to supplement their professionalization efforts. The donation is a fulfilment of the earlier pledge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visited Uganda in July 2018.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Adolf Mwesige, who received the donation at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on behalf of the government expressed his gratitude for the historic bilateral friendship existing between both countries.
He noted that the gesture will help UPDF register successes in delivering national security, regional and international peace. Mwesige said that the various cooperation offers and support in technical and professional fields have enhanced the professional disposition of UPDF.
"We view them as a sign of brotherly friendship and we shall always remain grateful for this immense cooperation," Mwesige said. The defence minister promised that the vehicles will be put to good use since they will enhance troop mobility in the execution of national defence as guided by the Commander in Chief of the UPDF Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda Ajay Kumar commended Uganda for maintaining the deep-rooted historic relationship between both countries, saying this is hinged on the struggle for both freedom and independence. India pledged to continue supporting the UPDF in terms of capacity building and training. Others in attendance included; the Chief of Logistics and Engineering Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura, representatives from the Indian community in Uganda, and other UPDF senior officers.
