African Land Forces summit opens in K’la

The second African Land Forces Summit kicked off yesterday in Kampala, Uganda, with military officials underscoring the need for the continent to solve its own problems and not rely on foreign assistance.Lt Gen Caesar Kayizari, the Chief of Staff (Land Forces) of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), is representing Rwanda at the meeting that is also attended by senior military officers from 30 African countries.“We are coming together to network and share experiences because peace and security is crucial in national building,” Kayizari said in an interview yesterday.The one-week meeting is hosted by the Ugandan Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) in collaboration with the U.S Army Africa (USARAF)Opening the conference yesterday, President Yoweri Museveni called on African people to desist from divisions based on tribe, clan and religion and instead work to ensure economic empowerment.The Ugandan Commander of Land Forces, Gen. Katumba Wamala, told the officers that an ideologically-clear military is crucial to any nation that strives to attract investments and get on the right democratic path.“Gone are the days when the militaries, especially on the African continent, were regarded as wasteful institutions. I call on you to openly share your experiences during this meeting,” he said.Throughout the week, the military officers will discuss challenges faced by each of their countries as a means of curbing the many security threats the continent still faces.

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African Land Forces summit opens in K’la