By Caroline.N
Ugandan military officers have concluded a successful study tour in Nigeria under the African Command and Staff College (AFCSC) programme, highlighting deepening defence ties between the two countries. The initiative, aimed at enhancing leadership, strategic planning, and operational skills, provided a platform for Ugandan officers to exchange knowledge and experiences with their Nigerian counterparts, strengthening regional military collaboration.
The Ugandan delegation, led by senior officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), participated in a comprehensive programme that included workshops, seminars, and practical field exercises. The training focused on modern military strategies, peacekeeping operations, counter-terrorism, and regional security challenges, equipping officers with skills necessary for both national defence and international peacekeeping missions.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Ugandan delegation leader expressed gratitude to the Nigerian military for hosting the tour and facilitating an immersive learning experience. “This study tour has broadened our operational and strategic understanding, while reinforcing the strong military relationship between Uganda and Nigeria. The lessons learned here will contribute significantly to our national and regional security efforts,” he said.
During the visit, the officers engaged in joint exercises simulating real-world scenarios, including counter-insurgency operations, disaster response, and coordination in United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions. These exercises fostered practical skills while enhancing interoperability between the two countries’ armed forces.
Nigeria’s military officials emphasised the importance of such collaboration in addressing regional security challenges, including insurgency, cross-border crimes, and humanitarian crises. “By training together and sharing best practices, we build a stronger African defence community that can respond effectively to security threats and promote stability across the continent,” a senior Nigerian officer noted.
In addition to field exercises, the programme included lectures on defence policy, leadership ethics, strategic communication, and crisis management. These sessions provided Ugandan officers with a well-rounded understanding of military leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the ethical dimensions of armed conflict—skills that are increasingly relevant given Uganda’s active role in regional peacekeeping missions.
Uganda and Nigeria share a long history of military collaboration, including joint peacekeeping initiatives, intelligence sharing, and officer exchange programmes. The AFCSC study tour represents the latest effort to deepen these ties, ensuring that African militaries continue to build professional, capable, and interoperable forces ready to address contemporary security challenges.
The tour concluded with a formal handover ceremony, where Nigerian officials commended the Ugandan officers for their engagement, discipline, and enthusiasm. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing cooperation in training, capacity building, and strategic engagement, pledging to continue working together to enhance regional stability and security.
The officers’ return to Uganda equipped with new skills and perspectives, ready to apply what they have learned to strengthen both national defence and Uganda’s contributions to international peacekeeping operations. The programme also underscores the importance of cross-border military cooperation in building stronger, more resilient African security structures.
By investing in such collaborative training initiatives, Uganda and Nigeria are not only promoting professionalism within their armed forces but also fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual support across the continent, which is critical for tackling complex security challenges and ensuring peace and stability in Africa.