By Barbara Among
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
 Nyakairima exchanging gifts with Ward at the UPDF headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala |
According to a press statement from the UPDF, AFRICOM commander Gen. William Ward gave the commendation during talks with Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) leadership on Sunday.
“The AFRICOM commander hailed Ugandan and Burundian militaries for their heroic contribution to peace and security in Somalia and the entire continent,” read the press statement.
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The statement added that Gen. Ward and Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Aronda Nyakairima discussed bilateral and regional issues. The two also discussed matters of bilateral cooperation between the US African Command and the UPDF.
Matters concerning security in the sub-region were also tackled, as well as the AMISOM Operations.
Ward, according to the statement, was accompanied by the US ambassador to Uganda, Jerry Lanier, and AFRICOM commanders Maj. Gen. H.D. Polumbo, Capt. Peter Miller and Col. Robert Miller.
Lanier reiterated the US government’s commitment to cooperation of the two countries to promote peace and stability.
Ward pledged continued support to the peace building efforts on the African continent.
AFRICOM is a combatant command of the US Department of Defense responsible for military operations and relations with all African nations, except Egypt.
The command, has in the past, played a role in Operation Lightening Thunder, led by Uganda, against the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) rebels.
The US has also provided training and logistical support to the peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
During the meeting, Uganda was also represented by the commander of the land forces, Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala, the chief of military intelligence, Brig. James Mugira and the director of foreign liaison, Lt. Col. Richard Karemire.
Source: New Vision