The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has officially welcomed the new Indian Military Advisory and Training Team (IMATT) at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe. The meeting took place this afternoon and marked yet another milestone in the longstanding military cooperation between Uganda and India.
The visiting delegation was led by Brigadier N.V. Nanjundeshwara, the new Head of IMATT, and included Colonel Surendra Tanwar and Group Captain Pranav Raj. Their arrival signals the continuation of a partnership that has consistently focused on professional military training, advisory support, and the exchange of knowledge between the two countries.
Senior UPDF leadership also attended the meeting. Among them were the Chief of Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, and Brigadier General Wycliffe Keita from the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine Command. Their presence highlighted the importance that the UPDF attaches to this collaboration.
General Kainerugaba praised the excellent military relationship Uganda has built with India over the years. He noted that the cooperation has been mutually beneficial, enabling both nations to learn from each other’s experiences while enhancing professional standards in training and defense. He assured the incoming team of the UPDF’s full cooperation and pledged to maintain the same productive spirit that has been enjoyed with previous advisory groups.
The CDF further emphasized that the two-year rotation cycle of the Indian advisory team is a strong sign of the enduring nature of this partnership. According to him, the cycle ensures continuity, fresh expertise, and renewed commitment to the shared goals of strengthening defense ties.
The arrival of the new IMATT team once again demonstrates the trust and respect that defines Uganda–India relations. With this renewed collaboration, the UPDF is expected to continue benefiting from world-class training and advisory services, further cementing its capacity to safeguard the nation.
