By The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) today officially received a modern, fully equipped auditorium at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO TC) in Singo, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-Uganda military cooperation.
The state-of-the-art facility, constructed under the U.S. government’s Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), was handed over by Mr. Phillip Palmer, Director of GPOI, during a ceremony attended by top UPDF officials and U.S. defence representatives.
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Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, the UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, hailed the project as a testament to the long-standing partnership between the two nations. “This partnership with the United States, which dates back to 2007, has significantly strengthened our capacity in foreign missions,” he said. “We are grateful for the continued support, especially in our efforts to promote peace and combat terrorism both within the region and internationally.”
Brig Gen John Patrick Otongo, the Commandant of IPSO TC, praised the dedication of the teams that made the vision a reality, noting that the idea for the auditorium was first conceived in 2018 by Lt Gen Bakasumba and Mr. Palmer. He also lauded the U.S. government for its sustained investment in UPDF infrastructure and equipment.
Representing the U.S. government, Lt Col Chris Noumba, Defence Attaché to Uganda, described the new auditorium as a symbol of the growing defence relationship between the two countries. “This facility reflects the strong military-to-military ties and Uganda’s unwavering role in advancing global peace,” he said.
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The GPOI initiative, established to enhance peacekeeping capabilities around the world, has been a key pillar in supporting Uganda’s readiness for international deployments.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita (Joint Staff – Training and Doctrine), Brig Gen Edward Mutaawe (Director of Human Resource Management – Land Force), Brig Gen Michael Ssesanga (Commandant, Non-Commissioned Officers Academy), Ms Naomi Doreen (Deputy Director for Africa Programs at GPOI), Maj Aaron Kuiper (Chief of Security Cooperation), and Mr Curtis Crum (Senior Peacekeeping Advisor).
The auditorium is expected to serve as a central facility for training, seminars, and international military cooperation activities hosted at the IPSO TC, further cementing Uganda’s role in global peacekeeping and security efforts.
