Uganda Seeks Turkish Partnership for Military Manufacturing Hub

Summary:

• Uganda’s Defence Minister, Jacob Oboth Oboth, has urged Turkey to establish a military manufacturing hub in Uganda, capitalizing on existing defense agreements between the two countries. The collaboration would focus on capacity-building and technology transfer, strengthening Uganda’s defense industry.

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Kampala, Uganda (DT) — Uganda’s Minister of Defence, Jacob Oboth Oboth, has called on the Turkish government to establish a military manufacturing hub in Uganda. He emphasized that Turkey should leverage Uganda’s strategic location in Africa to set up a center for military hardware production, similar to those Turkey has in Asia and Europe.

Oboth highlighted existing agreements between Uganda and Turkey, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and defense cooperation pacts covering areas such as technology transfer, research, and training. These agreements, some of which date back to 2016, form the foundation for future collaboration.

Speaking at a meeting with a Turkish delegation at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Kampala, Oboth expressed hope that these agreements would lead to tangible projects. “Partnering with Turkey in business and cooperation will help us build capacity and lead in the defense industry,” he said.

Maj Gen James Mugira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of Uganda’s army, noted that the collaboration between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Turkish military would be facilitated by NEC.

Turkish Ambassador to Uganda, Mehmet Fatih Ak, reiterated his government’s commitment to deepening the partnership, noting Uganda’s role in regional stability. “Uganda is a stable country with a strong army, and this partnership presents new opportunities for both nations,” said Fatih.

Lt Gen Mugira further emphasized a shift in the Uganda-Turkey relationship, from a traditional buyer-seller model to one focused on building capacity. “This collaboration will allow us to develop our own capabilities, benefiting both sides,” he added.

The meeting was attended by key figures, including Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff; Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi, General Manager of Luwero Industries; Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura, Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Turkey; and Gökhan Uçar, head of the Turkish delegation.