Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka Reaffirms Uganda’s Commitment To Peacekeeping Efforts In The Middle East

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has held talks with the Honorary Consul of the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr. Tamouh Moustafa, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.

The discussions focused on Uganda’s commitment to peacekeeping and its desire for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Hon. Kiwanuka reaffirmed Uganda’s position as a peace-loving and peacekeeping nation, saying the country remains hopeful that lasting peace will be achieved in the Middle East.

“Our hope and prayer is that there will be lasting peace in the Middle East, and we are going there as peacekeepers. That will be our small contribution towards stability in that area,” Hon. Kiwanuka said.

He emphasised that Uganda’s foreign policy is non-aligned, noting that Uganda is neither pro-East nor pro-West. He said Uganda’s principled position of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries has enabled it to maintain cordial relations with different nations while contributing to international peace efforts.

On Uganda’s prospective involvement in peacekeeping efforts in Gaza, Hon. Kiwanuka clarified that the country’s role would be strictly focused on peacekeeping and would not involve taking sides in the conflict.

“Our business in Gaza is peacekeeping. We are not taking sides, and we do not comment on partisan views. Our hope is that we will be welcomed by all parties since we are here to support all of you,” he said.

The Minister added that Uganda is ready to work with any peace-loving force committed to maintaining peace and stability, while calling for cooperation between Uganda and Syria, particularly in promoting peace, stability and mutual development.

Hon. Kiwanuka further observed that stability in the Middle East is also of economic importance to Uganda, given the presence of more than 500 Syrians in the country who contribute to the Ugandan economy.

He stressed that Uganda’s interest in peace in the Middle East is driven by the understanding that instability in one part of the world can have wider regional and global consequences.

For his part, Dr. Moustafa said Syria appreciates Uganda’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Dr. Moustafa commended Uganda for its longstanding contribution to peace and stability and noted that more than 500 Syrians are currently living in Uganda.

The meeting was also attended by the Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, Mrs. Edith Buturo; Director Legal Affairs Maj Gen Kagoro; and other senior officials.