AFRICOM Commander Visits Uganda, Presents Legions of Merit

Gen. David Rodriguez met with senior Ugandan People's Defense Force officers to discuss ongoing military cooperation efforts Sept. 30.

By U.S. Embassy - Kampala Oct 01, 2015

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KAMPALA– U.S. Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez, the commander of U.S. Africa Command met Ugandan Chief of Defense Forces Katumba Wamala and other senior officials of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces in Kampala Sept. 30.

The leaders discussed the ongoing military relations and cooperation between the United States and Uganda. General Rodriguez arrived in Kampala after previous stops in Djibouti, Somalia, and Ethiopia for meetings with U.S. forces and foreign military counterparts to discuss regional security issues.

Rodriguez also presented the Legion of Merit, Degree of Officer, to five senior UPDF officers, for their leadership in peacekeeping operations in support of the Africa Union Mission in Somalia, regional stability in East Africa, and for service to their country:

Gen. Katumba Wamala
Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti
Maj. Gen. Francis Okello
Maj. Gen. Levi Karuhanga
Maj. Gen. Fred Mugisha
Maj. Gen. Nathan Mugisha

The Legion of Merit is a military award of the U.S. Armed Forces given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. It is the highest U.S. military decoration awarded to citizens of other nations. Fewer than 200 foreign military personnel have received the award since its creation in 1942. The six officers Rodriguez recognized are the first Ugandans to receive the Legion of Merit.

Rodriguez’s visit underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the U.S. and Ugandan militaries, as well as the ongoing cooperation between the two countries to promote regional peace and stability, counter violent extremist threats, and provide training and support to Ugandan forces.

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United States Africa Command

AFRICOM Commander Visits Uganda, Presents Legions of Merit

Gen. David Rodriguez met with senior Ugandan People's Defense Force officers to discuss ongoing military cooperation efforts Sept. 30.

AFRICOM Commander Visits Uganda, Presents Legions of Merit (1) of (4)

AFRICOM Commander Visits Uganda, Presents Legions of Merit (2) of (4)

AFRICOM Commander Visits East African Partners (1) of (1)

AFRICOM Commander Visits Uganda, Presents Legions of Merit (4) of (4)