The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) on Tuesday, September 30 reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the Zambia Defence Force (ZDF) by exploring new avenues for collaboration in regional security and development.
Maj Gen Richard Otto, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), who represented the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), made the remarks while addressing a delegation of 27 students and staff from the Zambia Defence Services Command and Staff College at the DIS headquarters in Mbuya.
“Your visit reflects not only the strong historical ties and shared security interests between our defence institutions, but also a collective commitment to advancing regional security cooperation,” Maj Gen Otto said.
The media release from the Directorate of Communications at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MoDVA) states that Maj. Gen. Otto thanked the ZDF leadership for choosing Uganda as a destination for their academic engagement and encouraged the delegation to use the opportunity to explore military policies, build professional relationships, and embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
Maj Gen Otto identified defence diplomacy as a key area for further collaboration, citing President Yoweri Museveni’s vision for a united Africa.
“Let us work together to shape a continent that is not only peaceful and prosperous, but also assertive on the global stage. May your experiences here spark new collaborations, inspire innovation, and strengthen our shared resolve,” he added.
Otto also underscored the potential for continued partnerships between the UPDF and the Zambia Defence Force, particularly through study exchange programmes. (UPDF Photo)