Uganda, France Commit To Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Uganda and France have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation, with discussions focusing on military training, regional peace and stability, capacity building and collaboration in addressing emerging security challenges.

The commitment was highlighted during a meeting between the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and the Ambassador of France to Uganda, H.E. Virginie Leroy, at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.

Hon. Kiwanuka described Uganda as a resilient country with an open policy that encourages engagement and cooperation with international partners, noting that the relationship with France is already strong and productive, providing a firm foundation for expanding collaboration in both military and civilian affairs.

Emphasising Uganda’s Pan-African outlook, the minister noted that the country values partnerships that promote mutual understanding, regional development and shared prosperity, adding that Uganda and France have maintained a constructive relationship characterised by dialogue, mutual listening and cooperation on matters of common interest.

He underscored the importance of maintaining open communication between the two countries, particularly in defence, security and economic development.

He observed that the existing relationship offers opportunities to deepen cooperation and identify practical areas where both countries can benefit from their partnership.

H.E. Leroy mentioned the role of military training in strengthening operational capabilities, noting that training opportunities are hosted in Djibouti and supported through existing cooperation arrangements.

She also pointed to training engagements and opportunities in Gabon, Somalia, Paris and Côte d’Ivoire as part of the broader framework for military cooperation.

The Ambassador emphasised the importance of building on the existing partnership through practical activities that support the welfare of communities, strengthen military capabilities and contribute to peace and stabilisation efforts.

She recognised Uganda’s contribution to regional peace and security, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan and Somalia, noting France’s appreciation of Uganda’s role in addressing regional security challenges and expressed France’s readiness to support Uganda in areas requiring enhanced military capacity, including equipment, motorised military assets and infrastructure development.

She also highlighted the potential for collaboration in strengthening regional military training institutions, including support for training facilities and instructors.

In addition, Ambassador Leroy highlighted opportunities for collaboration in organising military missions and events, as well as developing a mountain rescue platform to improve emergency response and tourist safety.

She also identified anti-poaching initiatives in national parks as an area where the two countries could work together to protect wildlife and support wider security efforts.

In attendance were the Minister of State for Defence (Defence), Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, the Minister of State for Veterans Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, the Under-Secretary for Finance and Administration / Accounting Officer for the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Mrs Edith Buturo, the French Defence Attaché to Uganda, Lt Col Sebastien Berger, and the Defence Legal Advisor, Col Silas Kamanda, among others.