Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF] soldiers are in the Russian capital Moscow to participate in the 2019 Fifth Anniversary International Army Games.

The event has been happening every year since 2015 with over 30 countries taking part in a number of games.

UPDF spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire, said the games aim at strengthening friendship, fellowship and mutual understanding between nations.

UPDF is represented by a contingent of 14 officers under Col Jackson Pande Kajjuba drawn from the Armoured Brigade.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Minister of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei K Shoigu commended all participating countries for turning up emphasizing that such competitions contribute towards world peace and security.

Russia President Vladimir Putin urged the participants to use the opportunity offered by such games to strengthen constructive partnerships that can ensure the security of our countries.