Uganda and Algeria are taking their military partnership to the next level, with a concentration on the development of air and sea power, as well as counter-terrorism. The move comes as Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) solidify itself as a key player in regional security. Deepening relations between the two nations were highlighted through a recent visit by a senior Algerian military delegation to Uganda.

The UPDF Joint Staff Chief, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, welcomed students from Algeria’s High Military School’s Advanced War Course on the increasing security capability of Uganda. The session was conducted at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. Bakasumba praised the UPDF as a disciplined, performance-oriented army highly dedicated to maintaining peace and stability in the area.

“Wherever the UPDF steps in, there is good outcome,” Bakasumba added. He quoted Uganda’s action in Somalia where the country was the first to deploy troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). “In Somalia, we have sacrificed due to patriotism and at the clear guidance of President Museveni, whose ideology is that African matters should be handled by Africans,” he said. Uganda’s efforts to AMISOM have been highly valued, and the country remains an integral contributor in attempts to achieve stability in the area. The UPDF-Algeria cooperation is not a new one. In the last year, 15 Ugandan troops received counter-terrorism training in Algeria. Bakasumba explained that such cooperation is important and that the fight against terrorism should be conducted collectively. “The fight against terrorism requires a collective effort, and we welcome Algeria’s sustained support,” he added.

The Algerian delegation, which was on a visit and headed by Brig Gen Rabah Benhamouda, also praised Uganda’s commitment to regional security. The presence of Ugandan students in Algeria’s military schools, Benhamouda said, is a reflection of the friendly relationship between the two nations. “The fact that our school has Ugandan students indicates the strong military relations between our nations,” he stated.

Benhamouda also alluded to Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, recent visit to Algeria. He called the visit a benchmark in strengthening defence relations between the two countries. “The visit by Gen Muhoozi was a watershed moment in our bilateral relationship,” Benhamouda said.

The Algerian mission to Uganda will also solidify the security partnership between the two nations. One of the concerns is training, such as counter-terrorism. Uganda has also been actively participating in peace support operations on the African continent, and UPDF’s experience in dealing with complicated security matters makes it a valid partner for Algeria.

The collaboration between Uganda and Algeria is a two-way advantage for the two countries. For Uganda, it is the opportunity to access better training and expertise in the area of air and sea security, which is central to the addressing of modern security issues. For Algeria, it is the opportunity to solidify its relationship with one of the most respected African military units and to contribute to regional stability.

The growing strength of the UPDF and its commitment towards regional security has established it as a force to be calculated with as a reliable and effective force. The involvement of Uganda in peacekeeping missions, particularly in Somalia, has demonstrated that the country is prepared to make sacrifices for the greater interest of the continent. The alliance with Algeria comes as a natural turn of events given that the two nations share a common goal of ensuring peace and stability on the continent.

As Uganda expands its participation in regional peacekeeping operations, such partnerships as the one with Algeria will be critical. The challenges facing Africa today, from terrorism to maritime security, require a concerted effort. By working together, countries like Uganda and Algeria can pool their resources and knowledge to address these challenges more effectively.

In conclusion, deepening Uganda-Algeria military cooperation is welcome news for both countries as well as the entire continent.

It is a shared mission to address security matters and bring stability to the African continent. With Algeria’s experience and the UPDF’s proven capacity in such areas as counter-terrorism, this relationship has the potential to make a positive difference. With the two nations still working together, the future of African security is brighter, awaiting.