Uganda seeks expanded defense training, technology partnerships with Egypt and Türkiye

Uganda is actively pursuing deeper defense ties with Egypt and Türkiye, aiming to bolster its military capabilities through enhanced training and technology acquisition. Uganda's Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has engaged with military representatives from both nations to explore avenues for expanded cooperation.

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We are tied by the providence of God. This is not a relationship that we are forging; it is one that already exists and cannot be separated.

During separate meetings at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya, Kiwanuka met with Egypt's Defence Attaché Col Ahmed Harb and Türkiye's Military Attaché to Uganda Col Caner Sağlam. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral defense relations, focusing on military training programs, defense technology cooperation, knowledge exchange, and overall security collaboration.

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We welcome all the support, the strong relations we have built, and the military training programmes that continue to benefit our countries.

Kiwanuka described Uganda's relationship with Egypt as strategic and long-standing, emphasizing shared interests like the Nile River. He praised existing military training programs between the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Egyptian Armed Forces, noting their positive impact. He also expressed gratitude for Egypt's support in managing foot-and-mouth disease through vaccine assistance.

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When I was in Kimaka, I was pleased to see one of your officers training here. I know that we have officers who have also trained in Egypt, and we look forward to continuing that relationship.

Col Harb reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to increasing military cooperation and extended an invitation to Kiwanuka for Egypt's Armed Forces Day celebrations in October. In parallel, Kiwanuka signaled Uganda's intent to deepen its defense partnership with Türkiye, particularly in the areas of military training and defense technology, highlighting the long-standing relationship and previous support received from Ankara.

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We sincerely appreciate your support on the foot-and-mouth disease vaccination programme. It has been of great help. Although we recently experienced a small outbreak, it was nothing compared to what we have seen before because of the support you extended to us.