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INSIDE STORY: What Gen Muhoozi’s Visit Means for UPDF-Algeria Military Ties

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CDF General Muhoozi (C) interacts with Algerian military officials on his arrival in Algiers (Photo by Kampala Post)

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is in Algeria, for high-level military and bilateral discussions.

Gen Muhoozi who arrived in Algiers on Monday evening is in the North African country to deepen defense cooperation, according to reports.

The army boss is accompanied by high ranking members of the UPDF including; Maj Gen James Birungi (Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security), Maj Gen Bob Ogiki (Joint Staff Policy and Strategy), and Maj Gen Keith Katungi (5th Division Infantry Commander), was received by top Algerian military officials upon arrival. He is scheduled to hold talks with General Saïd Chanegriha, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army of Algeria.

Significance of Uganda-Algeria Military Ties

Algeria, with one of the most sophisticated and well-equipped militaries in Africa, has increasingly positioned itself as a key defense and security partner on the continent. Uganda’s engagement with Algeria comes at a time when security cooperation is becoming central to regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and intelligence-sharing—particularly concerning North and Central Africa’s evolving threats.

For Uganda, deepening military ties with Algeria aligns with President Museveni’s broader Pan-African security strategy, which seeks to bolster military capabilities, enhance intelligence coordination, and promote self-reliance in defense matters.

The president has been challenging African nations to find their ‘centre of gravity.’

Algeria’s vast experience in counterterrorism, given its long history of battling insurgencies, makes it a valuable partner for Uganda, which continues to deal with threats from groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Great Lakes region.

Gen Mihoozi’s Expanding Diplomatic Footprint

Since his appointment as CDF in March 2024, Gen Muhoozi has actively engaged with military leaders across Africa and beyond. His engagements speak of a shift towards a more proactive and strategic Ugandan military diplomacy, positioning the UPDF as an influential player in regional security architecture.

This visit to Algeria follows previous high-level meetings with military counterparts in various regions. Before this trip, he was in Addis Ababa where he met with Ethiopia’s Defence Chiefs. As Uganda continues to expand its international military cooperation, such engagements could pave the way for joint training programs, intelligence-sharing agreements, and possibly even military-industrial collaborations with Algeria.

Regional Implications and Future Prospects

Beyond military cooperation, the visit could have economic and geopolitical ramifications, considering Algeria’s increasing interest in Africa’s security and economic affairs. As a key player in the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), Algeria’s strengthened cooperation with Uganda could shape collective security approaches on the continent.

With both countries seeking to diversify defense alliances, the outcome of these talks could influence future military cooperation agreements, peacekeeping missions, and defense technology transfers. Given Algeria’s expertise in arms production and its recent push for African-led security solutions, Uganda’s engagement could yield long-term benefits for its defense modernization efforts.