Uganda, Algeria set to deepen defence ties

The deal is also hoped to help establish a legal framework for cooperation between the two countries.

This was disclosed during a meeting between the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) leadership and a delegation from the Ministry of National Defence of Algeria that was held at the Defence Ministry’s headquarters, Mbuya.

Rosette Byengoma, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, said Uganda continues to benefit from Algeria’s experience in combating terrorism through training of Uganda’s military personnel in Algeria.

Byengoma requested that Uganda be availed of more opportunities, especially in the area of advanced technology.

Gen. Wilson Mbadi, the Chief of Defence Forces, stressed the importance of establishing a legal framework to govern various collaborative efforts, particularly in counterterrorism. He also expressed gratitude towards Algeria for its generous donation to Uganda.

Maj Gen Mohamed Saleh Benbicha, Secretary General of Algeria’s Ministry of National Defence, conveyed his country's eagerness to share their military expertise with Uganda, in alignment with an upcoming Memorandum of Understanding.

In November 2023, a delegation from the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) visited Algeria to gain insights into the creation of the Uganda National Military Museum.

The meeting saw the participation of high-ranking officials, including Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Maj. Gen. James Birungi, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, Maj. Gen. Moses Rwakitarate, Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, Brig. Gen. Irumba Tingira, and the Algerian Ambassador to Uganda Mohamed Khelifi, among others.