By A delegation from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has arrived in Kenya for a benchmarking visit aimed at learning from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) welfare and post-service management systems.
The high-level mission, led by Deputy Commander of Land Forces Major General Francis Takirwa, comes just a day after President Yoweri Museveni made remarks suggesting that Uganda could one day “fight for access to the Indian Ocean,” comments that sparked debate across the region.
During the visit, the UPDF delegation toured the Defence Forces Welfare Services (DEFWES) headquarters at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, where they were hosted by Brigadier Peter Limo, the Managing Director of DEFWES.
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Brig Limo briefed the Ugandan officers on Kenya’s integrated approach to troop welfare, highlighting the KDF’s broad framework that supports serving personnel, veterans, and their families through housing projects, healthcare schemes, education support, and income-generating ventures.
“The Defence Forces Welfare Services was established to improve the living standards of soldiers and ensure a smooth transition to civilian life after service,” Brig Limo said. “We are happy to share these models with our Ugandan counterparts as part of regional defence cooperation.”
The Ugandan team also visited DEFWES facilities in Embakasi, including the DEFWES warehouse and the DEFWES Mall, which serve as key components of the KDF’s welfare programs. They were introduced to cooperative initiatives and veteran support systems designed to enhance financial independence among military families.
In his remarks, Maj Gen Takirwa applauded the KDF for what he described as an “innovative and structured” welfare program that balances operational readiness with the well-being of personnel.
“We thank the DEFWES officials for your time in making us understand your Defence Welfare Service,” he said. “By the end of this trip, we will emulate the knowledge gained and apply it to strengthen our own systems.”
The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Bernard Waliaula, who urged the UPDF team to identify practical models that could enhance Uganda’s military welfare and sustainability programs.
“Benchmarking within the region allows us to share experiences and strengthen cooperation in ensuring our service members and their families are well taken care of,” said Maj Gen Waliaula.
Also part of the Ugandan delegation were Brigadier General Mc Kamugira, Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Kenya, Brigadier General Metland Bitumbika, General Manager of Defence Force Shop Uganda Limited (DEFSUL), and Major Seth Ngabirano, DEFSUL Company Secretary.
Officials said the visit was part of broader efforts to enhance regional military cooperation and improve welfare management across the East African Community.
The trip follows heightened online debate between Ugandan and Kenyan social media users after President Museveni’s comments about the Indian Ocean, though both governments have maintained diplomatic composure, emphasizing long-standing military and trade ties.
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