Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Belgian Ambassador Discuss Defence Cooperation

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has today hosted the Belgian Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Hugues Chantry, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Joint Defence headquarters in Mbuya.

The meeting focused on Uganda-Belgium defence relations, regional security and Uganda’s peace and stabilisation efforts in the region.

Hon. Kiwanuka highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts, noting that sustainable peace requires a combination of security interventions, socio-economic transformation and political commitment.

He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to contributing to peace and stability on the continent, stressing that regional security remains important to Uganda’s national interests and development.

He also called on Belgium to continue supporting the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), stressing the need to protect the gains made towards restoring peace and stability in Somalia.

Ambassador Chantry commended Uganda for its contribution to peace efforts in Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and other conflict-affected areas, as well as its response to Ebola. He reaffirmed Belgium’s support for Uganda’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

The ambassador was accompanied by Col Michel Recour, outgoing Defence Attaché, Col Wendy Janssens, incoming Defence Attaché, and 2Lt Eva de Gelder from Brussels.

In attendance were Mrs. Edith Buturo, Under Secretary (Finance and Administration) MODVA; Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Aloysious Asingura Kagoro, Director Legal affairs (MODVA); and Col Michael Katongole Ssempijja, JS TRADOC (Training).