A high-level delegation from the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has concluded a benchmarking tour of the Kenya Defence Forces' (KDF) welfare and support services, a move that underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two East African nations. The visit, which took place at the Defence Forces Welfare Services (DEFWES) headquarters at Moi Air Base in Nairobi, aimed to share best practices on enhancing the well-being of military personnel and their families.

The Ugandan delegation was led by Major General Francis Takirwa, the UPDF's Deputy Commander of Land Forces. The team was hosted by Brigadier Peter Limo, the Managing Director of DEFWES, who provided a comprehensive overview of the KDF's multi-faceted welfare framework. Discussions and tours focused on key areas including housing, healthcare, education, veterans' support, and sustainable income-generating projects for service members and their dependents.

A Model for the Region?

The KDF's approach to soldier welfare is considered a benchmark in the region, integrating several specialized agencies to provide holistic support. Brigadier Limo's briefing highlighted the roles of key institutions that form the backbone of this system. These include the Defence Forces Canteen Organization (DEFCO), a financially self-supporting retail entity established in 1974 that provides subsidized goods to service members. Another critical component is the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK), which focuses on empowering KDF families through mentorship, health, and education programs. The delegation also learned about the Defence Forces Medical Insurance Scheme (DEFMIS) and the Defence Sacco (DESACCO), which provide health coverage and financial services, respectively.

During their tour, the UPDF officers visited the DEFWES warehouse and the DEFCO Mall in Embakasi to observe the operational and logistical structures firsthand. They also paid a courtesy call to the Commander of the Kenya Air Force, Major General Bernard Waliaula, who encouraged the visiting team to adopt and adapt the successful strategies to enhance their own welfare systems within the UPDF.

Major General Takirwa commended the KDF for its structured and innovative approach to welfare management. "Thank you, DEFWES officials, for your time in making us understand your Defence Welfare Service," he stated on Thursday, 13 November 2025. "By the end of this trip, we will emulate the knowledge." The Ugandan delegation also included Brigadier General Mc Kamugira, the Defence Attaché to Uganda, and Brigadier General Metland Bitumbika, the General Manager of the Defence Force Shop Uganda Limited (DEFSUL).

Strengthening East African Security Cooperation

This benchmarking visit is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of deepening defence cooperation between Kenya and Uganda. In January 2025, the two countries held their 5th Joint Defence Committee meeting in Mbale, Uganda, to reinforce their partnership under a Defence Cooperation Agreement. That meeting focused on intelligence sharing and tackling shared threats like terrorism and cross-border crime. The current focus on welfare signals a maturation of this relationship, recognizing that soldier morale and family stability are critical components of operational readiness and national security.

A well-supported, professional military is fundamental to regional stability. Both Kenya and Uganda are significant troop-contributing countries to regional peacekeeping efforts, including the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). By sharing best practices in welfare, the KDF and UPDF can enhance the resilience and effectiveness of their personnel, which directly contributes to the security of the entire East Africa region. While the UPDF has its own welfare structures, such as the Wazalendo SACCO and the Directorate of Veteran Affairs, this visit indicates a strategic decision to learn from Kenya's integrated and commercially-oriented welfare model.

The visit proceeded despite recent regional commentary, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining strong institutional ties between the two militaries. The exchange on welfare systems is a powerful act of military diplomacy, reinforcing a shared commitment to not only defending their borders but also caring for the personnel who undertake that critical mission. This collaboration ultimately fosters a more unified approach to security and mutual development in East Africa.