Maj Gen Bob Ogiki, Chief of Joint Staff Policy and Strategy for the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF), welcomed a distinguished delegation from the National Defence College of the Bangladesh Armed Forces War College at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya today.
This significant meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to exchange knowledge and best practices in military affairs.
During the discussion, Maj Gen Ogiki highlighted the deep historical connections between Uganda and Bangladesh, which have fostered mutual growth and understanding. “These visits are a testament to our strong relationship,” he said, emphasising the importance of learning from each other’s experiences.
Maj Gen Ogiki reflected on the shared historical challenges of both countries, noting that despite facing different obstacles, they both have narratives of overcoming insurgencies and dictatorial regimes. He acknowledged that Bangladesh, having gained independence nine years prior to Uganda, has made considerable strides in development and now surpasses Uganda in terms of capability and GDP.
Despite this, Maj Gen Ogiki remains hopeful about Uganda’s prospects. “Not all hope is lost for Uganda,” he affirmed. “In the coming years, there will be a remarkable outlook,” he added.
He praised Uganda’s progress over the past 36 years, despite a challenging history marked by decades of stagnation. Maj Gen Ogiki encouraged the delegation to engage with Ugandans to understand the nation’s journey and aspirations, asserting, “There is a clear vision that most Ugandans share.”
The head of the Bangladeshi delegation, Group Captain B. M Hasan Muhmud, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception from the UPDF. He noted that this was their first engagement outside of UN peacekeeping missions and thanked Uganda for being a chosen destination for their learning journey.
Group Captain Muhmud revealed that their visit also included interactions with other African nations, such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, with the aim of establishing a “four-sister” relationship to enhance cooperation among friendly forces.
The visit of the National Defence College Bangladesh Armed Forces to Uganda marks a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between the two nations. As both countries continue to share insights and best practices, the future of military collaboration looks bright.
The meeting was also attended by Brig Gen Abdul Rugumayo, Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, and Col Justus Rukundo, Commandant of the Oliver Reginald Tambo Leadership School, along with other senior and junior UPDF officers.