President Yoweri Museveni has praised General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), for introducing significant improvements to the Independence Day parade, making it more concise and well-coordinated. He commended the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) for their seamless execution, noting that the soldiers performed their duties efficiently and promptly departed, in contrast to the lengthy parades of the past.
Museveni expressed satisfaction with the changes, which have made the event smarter and shorter. Two days before the celebrations, General Kainerugaba personally inspected the parade preparations in Busia, demonstrating his hands-on leadership style and ensuring the readiness of the forces.
In response, Gen Kainerugaba, represented at the event by his deputy, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We (UPDF) thank His Excellency @KagutaMuseveni for recognizing and appreciating the new parade drills.”
Beyond the celebrations, President Museveni revealed his intention to spearhead regional infrastructure projects. He announced plans to persuade East African leaders to collaborate on road networks that will link the region to the Central African Republic (C.A.R) and further into Central Africa. This, he emphasized, would promote stronger regional ties and economic growth.
Additionally, Museveni urged Uganda Airlines to explore the possibility of establishing new flight routes to the C.A.R., noting the potential for boosting trade with the Central African nation. The Ugandan leader emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relations “with our brothers and sisters” in the C.A.R.
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the C.A.R., who was in Uganda at Museveni’s invitation, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and praised Uganda’s leadership for its commitment to fostering regional cooperation.
