The Commander of French Airforce based in Djibout, Maj Gen. Eric Gernez, has commended the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), saying the force has played an excellent role in keeping peace on the African continent. General Gernez made the remarks while paying a courtesy call to UPDF Leadership at the MODVA headquarters at Mbuya hill.
Gen Gernez applauded the forces for the good work executed in all their deployments in the region. “Thank you for your tireless endeavors towards the peace in Africa,” he said.
The General also said that the mutual relationship between Uganda and France is a beneficial one and that France would continue to support Uganda because of its significant contribution in stabilising the region.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two delegations to share lessons and experiences in order to put another step in the security issues of Africa.
He pledged support from the French Airforce in Djibouti to Uganda People’s Defence Air Force (UPPDAF) in terms of further training and other military to military engagements.
Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu who represented the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. David Muhoozi, appreciated the French support given to UPDF in various capacity building areas mostly at the Peace Support Training Centre in Singo, Mountain Warfare Training School, mountain training in the Rwenzori, military exercises and French language training in Jinja; which have immensely boosted the UPDF.
“The support has gone a long way in opening UPDF’s doors to the French speaking Missions which was not the case before as language was our main barrier,” noted Gen Musanyufu.
The Joint Chief Of Staff also added that Africa Armies should work as a team not in isolation due to having language barrier as a major obstacle.
He emphasised that the support the UPDF gets from the French has torn down the barriers and promised to make much better strides.
Also in attendance was Maj Gen Gavas Mugyenyi the Deputy Commander Airforce, Maj Gen Willis Byarugaba, the UPDF Chief of Training among others.
