Published on 05/12/2024
Uganda and Türkiye are deepening their defence ties, focusing on collaboration in the defence industry, as demonstrated in the 4th Uganda-Türkiye Defence Industries Cooperation meeting held at the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) headquarters in Kampala.
The meeting, convened at NEC, the commercial arm of Uganda’s Ministry of Defence and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), follows the signing of a cooperation agreement on defence industries in 2016.
Lt Gen James Mugira, NEC Managing Director, underscored the importance of this partnership. “I am happy now that we have been able to meet in Uganda for the second time since this commission was established. Yes, we have some companies involved in business, but I think the primary reason why we entered into this arrangement is to foster cooperation in the area of defence,” he stated.
The defence cooperation between Uganda and Türkiye is regarded as unique. Lt Gen Mugira noted that Uganda’s agreement with Türkiye is the only one of its kind. “It is no wonder that this agreement was even signed in the presence of the two Heads of State when His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Uganda,” he added.
Gokhan Ucar, Head of the Turkish delegation and Deputy Secretary of the Secretariat of Defence Industries, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to furthering cooperation with Uganda. “We are giving great importance to our African continents, and we believe Uganda is one of the main players. Uganda is a country for us,” Ucar said.
Ucar highlighted the potential for mutual growth through the integration of advanced technologies such as automated biometric systems and smart physical projects, which he sees as significant opportunities for both nations.
He also stressed the importance of establishing regulations for these advancements, calling for collaboration with organisations like Advanced Navigation Control (ANC) and international space agencies.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi, General Manager of Luwero Industries, Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura, Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Türkiye and other senior UPDF officers. Türkiye’s delegation included representatives from the Turkish Defence Industry Agency.
