Chinese defence minister meets top UPDF officers

Nov 28, 2011

The Chinese defence chief, Gen Liang Guanglie on Sunday jetted into Uganda for a five-day state visit.

 

By Steven Candia   

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defence Gen. Liang Guanglie on Monday held a high calibre meeting with ministry of defence leadership and the army top brass.

The closed door meeting was held at the ministry of defence and UPDF headquarters in Mbuya, a city suburb.
The delegate who is in the country on a five-day state visit arrived the ministry head offices shortly after 10:00am in the drizzle and was received by the minister of defence Dr. Crispus Kiyonga and his deputy Gen. Jeje Odong and General Aronda Nyakairima, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) among others.

 Gen. Liang Guanglie who was accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhao Ya Li inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers of the UPDF before proceeding to the meeting attended by over 10 Chinese Generals, drawn from the air force, navy and the field units.

Present at the meeting were Lt. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, the commander of the land forces; Maj. Gen. Jim Owoyesigire, commander of the air force; Maj. Gen. Robert Rusoke, the joint chief of staff and Brig. James Mugira, chief of military intelligence among others. 

Though nothing was said about the meeting it is expected that the two parties would discuss issues of strengthening military relations between the two countries.

Gen. Liang Guanglie jetted into the country on Sunday night on a five day state visit.
 Speaking at the arrival of the delegate on Sunday, Kiyonga said, Uganda has been buying a significant portion of military equipment from China which he described as a good trading partner.  

 While in the country Liang Guanglie will also hold talks with the Prime Minister; visit the Senior Staff and Command College Kimaka, meet the vice President, tour part of the country before meeting President Yoweri Museveni.


 


Defence Minister Dr Crispus Kiyonga with the State Councilor and Minister of National Defence of the People Republic of China Gen. Liang Guanglie. On the left are the Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Nyakairima Aronda, and the State Minister for Defence Gen. Jeje Odong.


 

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