Gen Kainerugaba Discusses Bilateral Ties with French Ambassador

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, today met with the French Ambassador to Uganda, Her Excellency Virginie Leroy, to discuss bilateral relations and military cooperation.

The meeting, held at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe, was attended by key officials from both nations. Ambassador Leroy was accompanied by the French Defence Attaché, Colonel Sébastien Berger, and the Second Counsellor at the French Embassy, Ms. Camille Portat. The Ugandan team included the UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, and the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine Commander, Brigadier General Wycliffe Keita.

In his remarks, General Kainerugaba acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Uganda and France. He highlighted that his direct engagement with French diplomatic and defence representatives started way back in 2011.

The CDF expressed gratitude for France’s sustained support to Uganda, particularly in bolstering the UPDF’s mission in Somalia through specialized training and associated capabilities.

He further noted France’s valuable contribution to Uganda’s domestic defence capabilities, specifically in Mountain Warfare training and in securing professional training opportunities for UPDF officers at various French affiliated military colleges.

In response, Ambassador Virginie Leroy thanked General Kainerugaba for the meeting and commended the strong bilateral partnership. She highlighted the broad scope of cooperation between the two countries, extending beyond defence to include collaborative projects in critical infrastructure development such as roads and railways, as well as in the water and energy sectors.