Gen Muhoozi Lectures to to senior RDF officers about African unit
kakooza Peter
Saturday, March 22, 2025
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Uganda, gave a lecture to senior officers at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Command and Staff College in Musanze District. He talked about the need for African countries to unite and help each other, especially through military cooperation.
Gen. Kainerugaba was welcomed at the college and taken on a tour of the facilities. He was accompanied by General Mubarakh Muganga, the Rwandan Chief of Defence Staff. During his visit, he was also given a briefing on how the college works.
In his speech, Gen. Kainerugaba said African armies face problems like underdevelopment and regional conflicts, which make it hard for them to work together. He said these problems must be solved if Africa wants peace and unity.
He explained that when countries work together, they can avoid war and also spend less on the military. This, in turn, can help with economic growth.
He said, "Cooperation not only deters conflicts but also promotes economic development through reduced military spending."
Gen. Kainerugaba told the officers to think beyond their own countries. He said they should focus more on working with others in the region and building strong partnerships with countries that have supported Africa in the past.
He also spoke about the benefits of countries combining their different strengths. According to him, when African countries bring their skills together, they can achieve better results.
He praised the presence of student officers from different African countries and said this shows the importance of finding African solutions for African challenges.
He believes that “such an approach would ensure strategic security, prosperity, and stronger continental cooperation.”
Gen. Kainerugaba said there needs to be a change in thinking among African countries.He said they should stop competing with each other and instead work hand in hand.
“We must move away from the competitive mentality where African nations seek to outdo one another,” he said. He added that a cooperative mindset leads to unity and progress.
Lastly, he thanked President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda for helping build strong ties between the UPDF and RDF. He said their leadership has played a big part in the good relationship between the two armies.
