The Ugandan team, led by Major General Francis Takirwa, who serves as the Deputy Commander of Land Forces, was received at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh by Brigadier Peter Limo, the Managing Director of Defence Forces Welfare Services (DEFWES).
According to the KDF, the benchmarking tour focused on understanding Kenya’s advanced welfare model for service members and veterans.
The delegation toured the DEFWES Mall in Embakasi, military cooperative offices, and other welfare facilities that support soldiers’ families.
Brigadier Limo briefed the visiting officers on Kenya’s structured approach to welfare management, housing, healthcare, and educational support for KDF personnel and their dependents.
Brigadier Limo briefed the visiting officers on Kenya’s structured approach to welfare management, housing, healthcare, and educational support for KDF personnel and their dependents.
He explained that DEFWES operates with a strong emphasis on self-reliance, sustainable business ventures, and long-term welfare planning.
“The welfare of our soldiers and their families is a top priority,” Limo said.
“We have developed systems that ensure continuity and dignity even after active service.”
Major General Takirwa commended the KDF’s welfare framework, saying Uganda would adopt lessons from the visit to enhance its own systems.
“Thank you to DEFWES officials for your openness in sharing your best practices. Uganda has learned a great deal from Kenya, and we hope to replicate some of these models back home,” Takirwa said.
During their visit, the delegation also met Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Bernard Waliaula, who emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge sharing in strengthening the professionalism of East African militaries.
While the visit appeared to be a technical and diplomatic engagement, its timing drew attention across the region. It came just days after President Yoweri Museveni made controversial remarks suggesting that landlocked countries like Uganda should have shared rights to access the Indian Ocean.
Speaking in Kampala, Museveni compared Africa to a “block of flats,” saying,
“How can you say that the compound belongs only to the flats on the ground floor? That compound belongs to the whole block. Uganda may be landlocked, but my ocean is the Indian Ocean — it belongs to me.”
The Ugandan leader warned that denying landlocked states such access could lead to future conflicts.
Major General Takirwa commended the KDF’s welfare framework, saying Uganda would adopt lessons from the visit to enhance its own systems.
“Thank you to DEFWES officials for your openness in sharing your best practices. Uganda has learned a great deal from Kenya, and we hope to replicate some of these models back home,” Takirwa said.
During their visit, the delegation also met Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Bernard Waliaula, who emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge sharing in strengthening the professionalism of East African militaries.
While the visit appeared to be a technical and diplomatic engagement, its timing drew attention across the region. It came just days after President Yoweri Museveni made controversial remarks suggesting that landlocked countries like Uganda should have shared rights to access the Indian Ocean.
“How can you say that the compound belongs only to the flats on the ground floor? That compound belongs to the whole block. Uganda may be landlocked, but my ocean is the Indian Ocean — it belongs to me.”
The Ugandan leader warned that denying landlocked states such access could lead to future conflicts.
His comments reignited debates on regional integration, trade access, and shared economic interests among East African Community (EAC) member states.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly responded, downplaying any notion of tension. Korir Sing’Oei, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, said Museveni’s statement was metaphorical and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to peaceful regional cooperation.
“Kenya remains committed to upholding international law and fostering mutual economic development within the East African region,” Sing’Oei said.
Kenya’s coastal ports, particularly Mombasa, serve as vital trade corridors for Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — countries that depend heavily on Kenyan infrastructure for imports and exports.
Analysts say the Ugandan military’s visit underscores growing cooperation between Nairobi and Kampala despite political tensions.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly responded, downplaying any notion of tension. Korir Sing’Oei, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, said Museveni’s statement was metaphorical and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to peaceful regional cooperation.
“Kenya remains committed to upholding international law and fostering mutual economic development within the East African region,” Sing’Oei said.
Kenya’s coastal ports, particularly Mombasa, serve as vital trade corridors for Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — countries that depend heavily on Kenyan infrastructure for imports and exports.
Analysts say the Ugandan military’s visit underscores growing cooperation between Nairobi and Kampala despite political tensions.
Defence experts note that both nations share deep military and economic ties that extend beyond border issues.
“The benchmarking visit reflects mutual trust between Kenya and Uganda. Despite political rhetoric, both militaries recognize the need to collaborate on welfare, logistics, and training,” said a defence analyst in Nairobi.
The visit also aligns with Kenya’s goal of strengthening its leadership role in regional defence and humanitarian operations.
As the Ugandan team concluded its tour, Major General Takirwa reaffirmed Uganda’s appreciation for Kenya’s hospitality and pledged to return for more collaborative engagements.
“We are leaving with great insights and renewed friendship. The Kenya Defence Forces have shown us what structured welfare and discipline can achieve,” he said.
“The benchmarking visit reflects mutual trust between Kenya and Uganda. Despite political rhetoric, both militaries recognize the need to collaborate on welfare, logistics, and training,” said a defence analyst in Nairobi.
The visit also aligns with Kenya’s goal of strengthening its leadership role in regional defence and humanitarian operations.
As the Ugandan team concluded its tour, Major General Takirwa reaffirmed Uganda’s appreciation for Kenya’s hospitality and pledged to return for more collaborative engagements.
“We are leaving with great insights and renewed friendship. The Kenya Defence Forces have shown us what structured welfare and discipline can achieve,” he said.
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