The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening regional security, improving military rehabilitation services and expanding strategic defence partnerships with international allies.
Speaking during engagements with ambassadors, high commissioners and defence attachés accredited to Uganda, Kiwanuka outlined the country’s priorities in regional peace and security, capacity building, military healthcare and defence cooperation.
He highlighted Uganda’s growing partnership with the United Kingdom, particularly under the Invictus Games Foundation, noting that Uganda has become only the second African country admitted into the global initiative that supports wounded service personnel.
Kiwanuka said that while the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has invested in infrastructure such as the UPDF Referral and Teaching Hospital, gaps remain in specialised areas including trauma care, mental health, rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
He stressed the importance of strengthening military rehabilitation programmes to support the recovery and wellbeing of injured and sick personnel.
On regional security, the minister reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to stability in the Great Lakes region, citing UPDF deployments in Somalia and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of efforts to safeguard national security and contribute to broader peace operations.
“The UPDF presence in eastern DRC is to counter insurgent threats to Uganda while also contributing to efforts to reduce instability in the DRC,” Kiwanuka said.
“As the saying goes, if your neighbour’s house is on fire, you cannot sit comfortably in your own.”
Kiwanuka also addressed Uganda’s defence cooperation with the Republic of Korea, committing to expedite renewal of the bilateral defence Memorandum of Understanding and calling for continued support toward the UPDF Referral and Teaching Hospital, whose first phase is nearing completion.
He welcomed Korea’s continued support for capacity building, including annual training opportunities for UPDF officers at the Korea National Defence University and Korea Army College, as well as Taekwondo training programmes and participation in the 2026 Seoul Defence Dialogue.
On Pakistan, Kiwanuka said Uganda was open to expanding cooperation in military training, technology exchange and knowledge sharing, noting existing strong bilateral relations.
He also acknowledged longstanding ties with the Russian Federation, describing the relationship as one based on mutual respect.
During the discussions, the Russian delegation proposed cooperation in three main areas: strengthening the legal framework for defence relations, provision of modern military equipment and joint cybersecurity initiatives.
The delegation also reaffirmed Russia’s standing offer of USD 53 million in military-technical assistance.
Kiwanuka said Uganda remains committed to defence partnerships that strengthen UPDF capabilities, improve military healthcare and rehabilitation, and contribute to peace and stability both domestically and across the region.
