The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, has called on Türkiye to make Uganda its manufacturing hub for defence industries, leveraging its strategic position in Africa to replicate Türkiye’s roles in Asia and Europe.
Speaking at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters during a meeting with a Turkish delegation, Hon. Oboth emphasized the nation’s potential to capitalize on its longstanding agreements with Türkiye, which date back to 2016. These include a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and defence cooperation agreements in areas such as technology transfer, research, and training.
“This is our hope: that these agreements translate into tangible projects. Partnering with Türkiye in business and cooperation will allow us to build capacity and set trends in the defence industry,” Hon. Oboth stated.
The collaboration will be coordinated through the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
The Turkish Ambassador to Uganda, Mehmet Fatih Ak, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to deepening this partnership, emphasizing Uganda’s strategic importance. “Uganda is a stable country with a strong army, contributing to regional stability. This collaboration opens new opportunities for both nations,” he remarked.
Lt Gen James Mugira, Managing Director of NEC, highlighted the evolution of the Uganda-Türkiye relationship, underscoring a shift from being a buyer to a capacity-building partner.
“Now we will be able to build capacity as a country, and that’s when we benefit from this relationship that will be a win-win for both sides,” said Lt Gen Mugira.
Senior officials from both sides, including Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, the Chief of Joint Staff; Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi, General Manager of Luwero Industries; Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura, Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Türkiye; and the Head of the Turkish delegation, Gökhan Uçar, attended the meeting.
