U.S envoy meets UPDF chiefs ahead of her departure

UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi (left) and US Ambassador Deborah Malac (right) shake hands as they share a moment at UPDF Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala on November 29, 2019. COURTESY PHOTO

The outgoing U.S Ambassador to Uganda on Friday bade farewell to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) at a meeting held at the military headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.

Ambassador Deborah Malac, told the Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi that the U.S appreciates the peace making role played by the UPDF in the region.

“She particularly singled out Somalia where UPDF has been deployed since 2007 under AMISOM noting that the situation has improved thanks to Uganda's contribution and other Troop Contributing Countries,” the army statement issued on Friday said.

Ms Malac is leaving Uganda early next year and will be replaced by Natalie E. Brown, the current U.S Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in Eritrea.

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“Gen Muhoozi expressed gratitude towards U.S.A partnership and it's government support towards building UPDF capacity as it modernizes,” the statement said.
The meeting was also attended by the Joint Chief Staff Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu and US Defence Attache Col Edward Dupont among others.