Uganda, South Korea Express Commitment To Strengthen Defence Cooperation

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the Republic of Korea, saying the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) seeks to enhance its capabilities across all sectors.

The Minister made the remarks during a meeting with the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Lee Sangho, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.

“We are looking forward to growing our defence cooperation, and we will continue to take training more seriously,” he said.

He said the Government of Uganda remains committed to building a modern, professional and well-trained force, noting that partnerships with countries such as South Korea are important for skills transfer, capacity building and improving the welfare of servicemen and women.

Hon. Kiryowa called on the Ambassador delegation to continue promoting peace and stability globally, emphasising that instability in one country can have implications for others.

“Without peace, we cannot have development. That is why cooperation between our two countries is very important for both our peoples,” he said.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Uganda, Lee Sangho, said South Korea looks forward to further strengthening its partnership with Uganda, especially in Taekwondo training and other defence-related projects.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Dr. Huda Oleru Abason; Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano; Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation, Lt Gen James Mugira; and Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, Ms Edith Buturo.