Entebbe — The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, today welcomed His Excellency Ambassador Johan Borgstam, the European Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, at the Special Forces Command Headquarters, in a meeting that reinforced the robust security and defence partnership between Uganda and the EU.
The engagement, a follow-up to discussions held in November 2024, underscores the continuing high-level dialogue between the Ugandan Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the European Union on matters of regional security and stability.
During the meeting, General Muhoozi expressed gratitude for the EU’s ongoing support and commitment to regional peace, citing the EU’s Great Lakes Strategy as a key framework guiding cooperation.
“Uganda values the European Union’s consistent commitment to peace and stability in the region. Our partnership has grown stronger through mutual technical cooperation, which remains a cornerstone of our strategic collaboration,” the CDF said.
The discussions focused on the UPDF’s external operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, highlighting Uganda’s contributions to peacekeeping and security in the broader East and Central African region.
Ambassador Borgstam commended Uganda’s role in maintaining regional peace and stability, noting the professionalism and dedication of the UPDF in their external missions.
“We appreciate Uganda’s continued leadership in the region and the constructive partnership that enables the EU to work alongside the UPDF in advancing peace and security,” he said.
The meeting was attended by senior EU officials, including Ambassador Jan Sadek, Head of the EU Delegation to Uganda, and his deputy, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, alongside Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, and Brig Gen Paddy Ankunda, Assistant Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security – Defence Engagement and International Affairs.
Observers note that such engagements reflect Uganda’s strategic efforts to maintain strong partnerships with international actors while supporting regional stability initiatives.
The EU’s ongoing cooperation provides technical support, intelligence collaboration, and policy guidance that strengthens Uganda’s operational capacity in peacekeeping missions across the Great Lakes Region and beyond.
The meeting concluded with both parties pledging to continue regular consultations and exchanges to sustain the long-standing security partnership and to identify further areas for joint collaboration.
This engagement follows a series of high-level meetings and defence dialogues, emphasizing Uganda’s proactive role in promoting regional security through diplomacy, technical cooperation, and strategic partnerships.
