The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has met with Lt Col Ash Wiseman, the British Defence Attaché to Uganda, for high-level discussions on strengthening military cooperation between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
The meeting, held at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe, centered on enhancing existing defence relations and expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest, particularly regional and international security.
Gen Kainerugaba and Lt Col Wiseman explored avenues to build on the longstanding military partnership between the two nations. The UK has historically supported the UPDF through training, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives.
British military institutions, such as the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst—where Gen Kainerugaba himself trained—have played a key role in shaping generations of Ugandan officers.
Uganda and the UK also cooperate on peace support and stabilization operations, with Uganda’s contribution to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and other regional security initiatives aligning with London’s interest in countering extremism and promoting stability in the Horn of Africa.
Beyond security, UK–Uganda relations are broad and multifaceted.
The United Kingdom is one of Uganda’s largest bilateral donors, contributing over £150 million annually in development assistance, with significant support for health, education, and governance.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has also grown steadily, with Uganda exporting coffee, tea, and flowers to the UK, while importing machinery, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech goods.
Under Gen Kainerugaba’s leadership, the UPDF has placed renewed emphasis on strengthening international defence partnerships.
His engagement with the British Defence Attaché shows Kampala’s commitment to working closely with London in pursuit of peace, stability, and enhanced professional standards within the military.
This latest engagement indicates the UK and Uganda’s shared vision of a secure and stable East Africa, and highlights defence diplomacy as a central pillar of their bilateral relationship.
