Bold claim: Uganda’s defense ties with France run deep and extend far beyond boots on the ground. But here's where it gets controversial: is strategic cooperation truly balanced, or does it tilt toward one partner’s interests? In a recent meeting at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, sat down with France’s Ambassador to Uganda, Her Excellency Virginie Leroy, to review bilateral relations and military collaboration.
The discussion brought together senior officials from both sides. Ambassador Leroy was accompanied by Colonel Sébastien Berger, the French Defence Attaché, and Ms. Camille Portat, the Second Counsellor at the French Embassy. The Ugandan delegation featured Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, the UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, and Brigadier General Wycliffe Keita, the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine Commander.
General Kainerugaba reflected on the long-standing partnership between Uganda and France, noting that he has engaged with French diplomatic and defence officials since 2011. He expressed gratitude for France’s ongoing support, particularly in boosting the UPDF’s mission in Somalia through specialized training and related capabilities. He also highlighted France’s important role in strengthening Uganda’s domestic defence with Mountain Warfare training and by enabling UPDF officers to pursue professional training at various French-affiliated military institutions.
Ambassador Leroy responded with appreciation for the constructive meeting and praised the robust bilateral relationship. She pointed to a broad spectrum of cooperation that spans beyond defence, including collaborative ventures in critical infrastructure—roads and railways—and in water and energy sectors, signaling a broader strategic partnership.
Thought-provoking question for readers: as Uganda and France deepen their cooperation across security and development domains, what safeguards or governance principles should guide such partnerships to ensure national sovereignty, equitable benefit, and transparent accountability? Share your views in the comments.
