“The fight against corruption involves serious individuals like you. If we don’t fight it, we shall destroy ourselves, and the destruction will start here within the UPDF before it affects the country and the region.”

The construction of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters represents a significant step towards the professionalization of the UPDF, guided by the president’s vision.

The EASF, which was established in 2007 and reached full operational capability in December 2015, is the product of several factors that have defined regional integration in the field of peace and security in Eastern Africa and the Horn of Africa, including long-standing and continuing tensions between countries of the region and the threats to peace and security with internal wars, environmental degradation, terrorism, and unconstitutional changes of government notwithstanding. 

The visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between Uganda and China as the two nations continue to strengthen their ties in the military and economic spheres.

"The UPDF has greatly benefited from the training support provided by the Global Security Service Group, and we are grateful for this fruitful partnership," Maj Gen Bakasumba said.