Uganda, South Africa Move To Deepen Defence Intelligence Cooperation

Uganda and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence intelligence cooperation as part of broader efforts to promote peace, stability and prosperity across Africa.

The commitment was made during the opening of a bilateral defence intelligence exchange between Uganda and a South African delegation at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Brig Gen Oscar Munanura, said Uganda and South Africa are strategic partners with shared interests in maintaining peace and security on the continent.

“Defence cooperation between Uganda and South Africa spans historic liberation struggles, formal frameworks and agreements, and various technology and training exchanges,” Brig Gen Munanura said.

He observed that the two countries occupy strategic positions in their respective regions, with Uganda at the heart of East Africa and South Africa playing a leading role in Southern Africa.

“What affects one part of Africa can affect the other. What threatens regional stability can quickly become a continental concern,” Brig Gen Munanura added.

Speaking on behalf of the South African delegation, Captain Mokoe commended the longstanding and cordial relations between Uganda and South Africa, saying the two countries share an interest in expanding cooperation across several sectors.

“The political principals indicate the need for the two countries to work together towards enhancing political, security, economic and social cooperation,” Capt Mokoe said.

Capt Mokoe said the two countries have a long history of military cooperation, particularly through training and exchange programmes conducted under established joint military cooperation frameworks.

The meeting was attended by Brig Gen Humble Nyesiga, Director of Defence Intelligence-Defence Attaché, senior UPDF officers and members of the South African delegation, among others.