Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Monday held high-level talks with Amb. Johan Borgstam, the European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, in a meeting that highlighted Uganda’s central role in shaping the regional security landscape.
The meeting, held at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe, marks a renewed phase of diplomatic-security cooperation between Kampala and Brussels at a time when the Great Lakes region faces shifting political and security dynamics.
According to officials, the meeting aimed at reviewing ongoing joint engagements and exploring new areas to deepen collaboration in the spheres of peace and stability, cross-border security, and conflict prevention.
Uganda Reaffirms Its Role as a Regional Stabilizer
Gen. Kainerugaba welcomed the EU delegation and emphasized Uganda’s long-standing commitment to regional peace, noting that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) continues to play a stabilizing role in multiple hotspots.
“We remain committed to strengthening our partnerships with international actors who share our vision for a peaceful and prosperous region,” the CDF said, stressing that stability in the Great Lakes is inseparable from Uganda’s own national security interests.
Uganda maintains peace-support commitments in several neighbouring countries, including operations against negative forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic, support missions in South Sudan, and cooperation frameworks aimed at countering terrorism and transnational crime.
EU Commends Uganda’s Contribution to Peace Efforts
Amb. Borgstam applauded Uganda’s contribution to regional stability and reiterated the EU’s willingness to broaden cooperation with Kampala.
“Uganda remains a key actor in the Great Lakes region. The European Union values the UPDF’s role in regional stabilization and stands ready to enhance collaboration in areas that support long-term peace,” he said.
The EU Special Envoy was accompanied by Amb. Jan Sadek, the Head of the EU Delegation to Uganda, his Deputy Mr Guillaume Chartrain, and senior officials involved in the bloc’s regional security and governance programme.
Their discussions built on the EU’s Great Lakes Strategy, which prioritises conflict prevention, humanitarian support, governance reforms, demobilisation initiatives, and strengthening the capacity of national institutions.
EU Ambassador Jan Sadek highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration, saying the EU considers Uganda an essential ally:
“The EU and Uganda remain strong partners in promoting security and cooperation in the Great Lakes region.”
Talks on Regional Diplomacy
Sources say the two sides exchanged views on the conflict in eastern DRC, ongoing diplomatic tensions in the region, and the role of international partners in easing hostilities.
The engagement comes at a time when the Great Lakes is attracting renewed geopolitical interest from global powers. Uganda has increasingly used defence diplomacy to position itself as a reliable partner in security matters, while balancing relations with Western nations, Russia, China, and emerging regional blocs.
Analysts say such meetings demonstrate Uganda’s attempt to maintain a diversified diplomatic posture while asserting its influence in regional affairs.
From the UPDF side, key senior commanders were present, including the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, and Brig Gen Paddy Ankunda, the Assistant Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security in charge of Defence Engagement and International Affairs.
