Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening military cooperation with Türkiye and Egypt, with a renewed focus on training, technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and broader defence collaboration.

Uganda's Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, made the commitment during separate courtesy meetings with the Military Attache of the Embassy of Türkiye, Colonel Caner Saglam, and the Egyptian Defence Attache, Colonel Ahmed Harb, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya on Wednesday.

In his meeting with Türkiye's Military Attache, Kiwanuka praised the long-standing partnership between Kampala and Ankara, particularly in military training and defence cooperation.

"Uganda and Türkiye have enjoyed a long-standing relationship. We appreciate the military training, technology, and knowledge transfer support that we have received from Türkiye. We are committed to strengthening this cooperation, especially through continuous training for the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) officers, which remains a priority," Kiwanuka said.

Military relations between Türkiye and Uganda expand

Colonel Saglam said defence relations between Türkiye and Uganda had expanded significantly in recent years through defence agreements, military training programmes and joint exercises.

He said Türkiye remains committed to broadening cooperation with Uganda in support of the two countries' shared defence objectives.

The meetings were also attended by the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Undersecretary for Finance and Administration, Edith Buturo.

Speaking in a separate meeting with the Egyptian Defence Attache, Kiwanuka described Uganda's relationship with Egypt as historic and strategically important, citing the shared significance of the River Nile to both countries. "We welcome all the support, the strong relations we have built, and the military training programmes that continue to benefit our countries," he said.

Exchange of military training

The minister commended the ongoing exchange of military training between UPDF and the Egyptian Armed Forces, noting that officers from both countries have benefited from the partnership.

"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," he said.

Colonel Harb reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Uganda and invited the minister to attend this year's Egyptian Armed Forces Day celebrations scheduled for October.

"For the past three years, the Egyptian Armed Forces have organised a major Armed Forces Day celebration. This year's event will be held in October, and I hope you will honour us by attending," Harb said.