12 february 2010 - SINGO military training camp, Kampala, Uganda - The French Forces based in Djibouti (FFDj) have a military presence mission in the Horn of Africa. This mission is involved most particularly in the implementation of defence co-operation activities with the various countries in the region. Under this framework, the 13th French Foreign Legion half-brigade (13ème DBLE) was appointed to carry out a training course for the benefit of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) from January 11th till February 15th 2010. During this course, a 1700 men battalion of the UPDF has undergone training in peace keeping operations, while 120 non-commissioned officers (NCO) have trained in commanding the same peace keeping operations. The training is in view of the UPDF deployment in Somalia in May 2010 within the framework of AMISOM. This ceremony was attended by: The Minister of state for Defence: Lt. Gen. Jeje Odong, The Commander of the land forces: Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala, The Ambassador of France: H.E René Forceville, The Ambassador of Belgium: H. E Marc Gedopt, The Commander of the French Forces based in Djibouti: Air Brigadier General Thierry Caspar-Fille-Lambie, The Defence Attaché of the French embassy: Lt. Col. Pascal Bayle, The Defence Attaché of the Belgian embassy: Lt. Col. Pol Ameye, The Defence Attaché of the American embassy: Lt. Col. Gregory Joachim, The Defence Attaché of the British High Commission: Lt. Col. Gimm Etherington. Photo credit: Benedicte Desrus