The Commander of the UPDF Special Forces, Major General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is in Seoul South Korea pushing for further defense cooperation between the Asian giant and Uganda.
Chimpreports understands Gen Muhoozi held discussions on military cooperation and training in special operations with senior Republic of Korea military officials in Seoul.
According to Chris Magezi, the SFC publicist, Muhoozi was invited by the South Korean military.
The General led a delegation from the Special Forces Command (based in Entebbe) for the visit.
“The visit is the latest sign of the rapprochement between Kampala and Seoul following the groundbreaking visits of both Presidents Museveni and Park Geun Hye to each other’s countries in 2013 and 2016 respectively,” said Magezi.
In early October, the Chief of Defence Forces (General Katumba Wamala) visited South Korea and attended ceremonies to commemorate their Army Day.
General Kainerugaba and his counterparts discussed issues to do with strengthening relations between the two armies and global efforts against transnational threats e.g. international terrorism. He met and held discussions with the Commander of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army Special Warfare Command, Lt.General Chang Kyeong Seok at his headquarters at Incheon outside of Seoul.
General Kainerugaba was later conducted on a tour of the ROK Special Warfare Training School by the Commandant of the school, Brig. Gen. Kim Yong Duk were airborne operations, sniper skills, swimming by the ROK navy seals, and taekwondo hand-to-hand combat were demonstrated.
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m also impressed by the high levels of professional competence and training by the ROK special operations forces,” said General Kainerugaba. “Although the two countries are located far apart, I notice that the general organization and structure of some of the courses are similar to ours and I’m sure we will be able to have a fruitful engagement going forward,” observed General Kainerugaba.
Lt. Gen. Chang observed that South Korea and Uganda have similar backgrounds because both suffered from colonization and civil wars; he expressed deep optimism for increased military cooperation between the two countries.