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

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, 2015. (Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy - Kampala)

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Photo by: U.S. Embassy - Kampala 

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

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, 2015. (Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy - Kampala)

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Photo by: U.S. Embassy - Kampala 

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

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, 2015. (Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy - Kampala)

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Photo by: AFRICOM Public Affairs 

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

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, 2015. Rodriguez also presented the Legion of Merit, the highest U.S. military award for foreign citizens, to six Ugandan People's Defense Force officers. (Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy - Kampala)

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Photo by: U.S. Embassy - Kampala 

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.