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Uganda’s Army Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, reaffirmed UPDF’s commitment to implementing an MOU with the Central African Republic (CAR), signed on January 17^th, 2024, in Kampala.

Uganda Army Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi and minister Claude Rameaux Bireau of Central African Republic at the ministry of Defense headquarters at Mbuya

Uganda Army Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi reiterated UPDF’s commitment to the implementation of an MOU with the Central African Republic (CAR). The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on Sunday this month in Kampala.

“Once there is political will, it is very possible to build an army from scratch. We are a very good example of such a force that has come from scratch to what everybody is now admiring,” Mbadi said.

Mbadi made the remarks during a meeting with CAR national defence and army reconstruction minister Claude Rameaux Bireau. The meeting was held at the Defence ministry headquarters at Mbuya in Kampala.

Mbadi expressed willingness to share UPDF’s experience with the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), especially through training and as requested by the leadership of the Central African Republic.

H.E Remieux Claude Bireau (6L), Gen WM Mbadi in a group Photo with Central African Republic and Ugandan Delegations

“We equally went through that stage of crisis but with the leadership of our President, he focused on building a force so that it can provide peace and security in the country,” he said as he underscored the development of Uganda because of peace and security.

In his remarks, Bireau said the MoU was a result of the Pan-African ideology and willingness of the Presidents of Uganda and the CAR to promote South-to-South cooperation.

He said while they started with military cooperation with Uganda, they wish to open more doors because without security there cannot be development.

Bureau commended the UPDF for its commitment to implementing the different aspects as stipulated in the MoU and equally thanked the UPDF for the training opportunities it has offered to the Central African Armed Forces.

Present at the meeting included the chief of military intelligence Maj. Gen. James Birungi, chief political commissar Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, chief of personnel and administration Brig. Gen. James Kinalwa, chief of legal services Brig. Gen. Godard Busingye, deputy chief of medical services Brig. Gen. Dr. Patrick Ocen

The CAR delegation included Brig. Gen. Arcadius Betibangui, Col. Thierry Konzale and Col. Thierry Yarafa.