Gen Kainerugaba, Turkish Ambassador to Uganda Discuss Growing Ties

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, met with Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Fatih AK and Turkish Defense Attaché Lt Col Caner Sağlam at Special Forces Command Headquarters in Entebbe.

 

The discussion centered on the growing economic and security ties between Uganda and Turkey.

 

Turkey’s presence in Uganda is significant, with Turkish construction companies undertaking various projects, including the ongoing construction of the Hoima Sports Stadium and the Standard Gauge Railway connecting Tororo to Kampala.

 

They are also engaged in several road construction projects, such as Apac-Lira.

 

Additionally, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is considering purchasing more equipment from Turkey, further solidifying their partnership.

 

In the aviation sector, Turkish Airlines operates daily flights from Entebbe and plans to increase its aircraft servicing the route from 7 to 10.

 

This meeting highlights the growing cooperation between Uganda and Turkey, spanning multiple sectors, including defence, construction, and aviation. The two nations have a long-standing military relationship, formalized in 1996, with Turkey offering training to Ugandan special forces.

 

Meanwhile, Uganda’s coffee exports to Turkey have also soared, increasing from
2000 bags in 2019 to 44,000 bags in 2023.