UPDF Senior Officers Visit Ethiopian Airforce Headquarters
A high-level UPDF delegation led by Lt Gen. Sam Okiding visited Ethiopia to discuss defense cooperation. Representing Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the team toured Ethiopian Airforce facilities and engaged in talks with Ethiopian military leaders to explore collaboration in airforce development and other military areas.
UPDF Senior Officers Visiting Ethiopian Airforce Headquarters
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, has commended the Ethiopian Air Force Academy. In a light-hearted remark, he shared that he might have considered becoming a pilot if he were younger.
Lt. Gen. Okiding, a renowned artillery expert, expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation between the UPDF and the Ethiopian military, particularly in the air force sector.
According to a release from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Lt Gen. Okiding, representing the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, visited the Ethiopian Airforce Headquarters in Bishoftu on Sunday, December 15. Bishoftu is located approximately 60 kilometers from the capital city, Addis Ababa.
He was received by Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa, Commander of the Federal Airforce. The Ugandan delegation included:
(Courtesy/UPDF)
Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, Commander of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Brigadier General Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, Sector One Contingent Commander under ATMIS, Colonel Fred Zakye, Uganda’s Military Attaché to Ethiopia.
The delegation toured the Airforce Academy and various installations, including aviation maintenance units, innovation departments, and the flying school.
Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding and Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma touring Ethiopian Airforce facilities
The UPDF delegation has been part of the Chief of Defence Forces’ entourage visiting Ethiopia since Saturday, December 14. During this visit, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba held discussions with Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, the Chief of the General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).
The two leaders explored potential areas of cooperation in various military aspects, further strengthening the partnership between the two countries.
General Kainerugaba previously visited Ethiopia in 2022 during his tenure as Commander of Land Forces of the UPDF. Similarly, Field Marshal Jula visited Uganda in July this year. These high-level engagements underscore the commitment of Uganda and Ethiopia to enhancing their bilateral and military relationships.
