Inside CDF Gen Muhoozi Defence Talks in Beijing

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, arrived in Beijing, China, on Tuesday for a series of high-level military engagements aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between Uganda and China.

On Wednesday, Gen Kainerugaba and his delegation visited the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), a leading state-owned defence company specializing in aviation products and technology.

The Ugandan military chief was given a guided tour of the corporation’s cutting-edge aviation equipment by the Vice President of the facility.

During his official visit, Gen Kainerugaba is expected to attend an international military conference alongside defence chiefs from various countries.

Gen Kainerugaba and his delegation visited the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), a leading state-owned defence company

He will also hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart and participate in other high-level meetings focused on military cooperation and strategic partnerships.

Gen Kainerugaba was formally received at the airport by senior Chinese military officials, underscoring the importance both nations attach to their long-standing defence relations.

Background: Deepening Uganda-China Military Ties

Three months ago, Gen Kainerugaba met with the Chinese Defence Attaché to Uganda, Colonel Zhang Hao, and his deputy, Colonel Li Hai, at the Special Forces Command Headquarters in Entebbe. During that meeting, they discussed enhancing bilateral relations between Uganda and China, with special emphasis on deepening military cooperation.

READ ALSO: CDF Gen Muhoozi, Chinese Defence Officials Discuss Deepening Uganda-China Military Ties

Uganda and China share a long history of military and defence cooperation that has steadily deepened over the past three decades.

China has been one of Uganda’s key defence partners, supplying equipment, training, and technology transfer to support the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Through military academies and exchange programs, Chinese experts have helped train Ugandan officers in specialized fields such as aviation, engineering, cyber security, and peacekeeping operations.

At the same time, Uganda has backed China’s positions in multilateral forums, strengthening political trust that underpins defence relations.

Beijing, in turn, has supported Uganda in modernizing its defence capabilities, particularly through affordable technology and knowledge transfer.