Uganda’s Chief of the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with General Said Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army (ANP) of Algeria, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
The high-level meeting, held at the ANP General Staff headquarters, focused on strengthening military cooperation between Uganda and Algeria, as well as discussions on regional and continental security challenges.
Tuesday’s meeting was attended by senior military officials from both sides, including the Secretary General of the Algerian Ministry of National Defense, Force Commanders, Department Heads, and Central Directors from the General Staff of the ANP and Uganda’s military delegation.
Strengthening Bilateral Military Cooperation
During the discussions, both leaders underscored the importance of enhancing military collaboration between Uganda and Algeria. General Chanegriha welcomed General Muhoozi and his delegation, emphasizing the growing ties between the two countries. He noted that Uganda and Algeria had significantly increased their engagement in recent years, with high-profile visits fostering closer relations.
“In this context, the official visit made by the President of the Republic of Uganda, Mr. Yoweri Museveni, to Algeria in March 2023 at the invitation of his brother, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, gave a strong impetus and real dynamic to the process of cooperation relations between the two countries,” General Chanegriha stated.
He further reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to advancing military cooperation with Uganda, in line with the strategic vision of the leadership of both nations. This includes enhancing intelligence-sharing, capacity-building, and technical cooperation between the two armed forces.
Addressing Regional and Continental Security Challenges
Beyond military cooperation, the two generals also exchanged views on current global security concerns, with a particular focus on Africa. They discussed strategies for addressing regional instability, counterterrorism efforts, and the promotion of peace and security on the continent.
General Muhoozi expressed appreciation for Algeria’s efforts in regional security and its commitment to fostering stability in Africa. He commended the Algerian military’s willingness to collaborate on areas of mutual interest, particularly in bolstering security frameworks that contribute to the stability of the continent.
Strengthening Uganda-Algeria Defense Relations
The meeting further underscored the significance of military diplomacy in strengthening Uganda-Algeria ties. Both parties reiterated their commitment to deepening defense cooperation through training programs, joint military exercises, and knowledge exchange in areas such as counterterrorism and peacekeeping operations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, General Muhoozi signed the guest book at the ANP General Staff headquarters as a gesture of appreciation. The two military chiefs then exchanged symbolic gifts, marking a successful diplomatic and defense engagement.
General Muhoozi’s visit to Algeria is seen as part of broader efforts by Uganda to enhance its military partnerships with key African nations, further positioning the UPDF as a strategic player in regional and continental security initiatives.
