The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Lt Gen Sam Okiding, has emphasised the need for stronger intelligence-led and coordinated military operations. Speaking at the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Forces Conference in Kampala, he highlighted the changing security environment, which increasingly requires militaries to operate beyond traditional warfare. This approach is crucial in addressing various security challenges, including humanitarian crises and terrorism. Lt Gen Okiding made the remarks during the opening session of the conference.
The conference, themed “Military Operations Other Than War,” brought together African defence chiefs and senior military leaders to examine and strengthen cooperation in responding to emerging security challenges. Lt Gen Okiding stressed that military operations are no longer secondary but are at the forefront of national and regional security strategies. He underscored the importance of actionable intelligence in the success of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. This, he noted, is particularly crucial in addressing issues such as transnational organised crime and the effects of climate change.
Lt Gen Okiding urged African countries to adopt deliberate, practical, and systematic approaches to address emerging security threats. He emphasised that building resilience should be an enduring effort rather than a one-time intervention. The UPDF Deputy Chief of Defence Forces also reminded African militaries to modernise their equipment, review training approaches, and adapt their strategies to the changing security environment. This, he believes, will enable them to effectively respond to new challenges.
Lt Gen Okiding called for a fundamental shift in mindset, strategy, and theory in military operations. He stated that this is not a question of capacity but a matter of strategy and theory. The UPDF Deputy Chief of Defence Forces urged participants to place African interests and the welfare of the continent’s people at the centre of their decisions. He noted that the conference’s outcomes would shape how African militaries collectively respond to emerging security challenges.
The conference aims to redefine the approach to military operations other than war, according to Lt Gen Okiding. He commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and their African counterparts for their commitment to regional partnerships. These efforts bring African militaries together to address common security challenges. Lt Gen Okiding also appreciated the participants for their commitment to finding solutions to emerging security challenges.
Lt Gen Okiding further urged implementing agencies to translate the conference resolutions into actionable measures. He encouraged them to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that agreed outcomes deliver practical results at national, regional, and continental levels. The conference was attended by the UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, General Officers, delegates from African countries, and representatives of the African Union.
The inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Forces Conference continues to provide a platform for African defence chiefs and senior military leaders to discuss and address emerging security challenges. Key issues discussed include the importance of intelligence-led operations and the need for modernisation of equipment and strategies. The conference seeks to strengthen cooperation among African militaries in responding to various security challenges.
Key points
- Lt Gen Sam Okiding calls for enhanced intelligence-led operations beyond conventional warfare.
- The conference aims to strengthen cooperation among African militaries in responding to emerging security challenges.
- Lt Gen Okiding urges African countries to adopt proactive approaches to address emerging security threats.
