Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with his United Arab Emirates counterpart, Lieutenant General Issa Saif Mohammed Al Mazrouei, on Friday in a bid to deepen military cooperation between the two nations.
General Kainerugaba personally received Lt. Gen. Al Mazrouei at Entebbe International Airport before escorting him to the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters for bilateral discussions. The meeting was attended by several senior officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), including Land Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Chief of Joint Staff Lt. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, and SFC Commander Maj. Gen. David Mugisha.
Talks focused on enhancing security collaboration and highlighted ongoing efforts to formalize a defence partnership through a forthcoming military Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement is expected to cover a range of areas, including joint training, logistics, technology exchange, and coordinated security efforts.
During the engagement, both commanders emphasized their shared interest in promoting regional stability and security, and committed to building a long-term strategic relationship.
A presentation on the current cooperation between the two countries showcased areas of mutual interest and potential expansion. The visit also reflects General Kainerugaba’s broader vision of diversifying Uganda’s defence partnerships and engaging new global actors in proactive security diplomacy.
This evolving relationship may open doors to future military investments, procurement opportunities, and integration into wider Gulf-led security initiatives.