Uganda, Algeria Eye Defense Cooperation Deal to Counter Terrorism

Uganda and Algeria will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at opening avenues for the continued sharing of advanced technologies, and training opportunities and establishing 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 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. She requested that Uganda be availed of more opportunities, especially in the area of advanced technology.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Wilson Mbadi, emphasised the need to have a legal framework that will guide the different areas of cooperation, especially counterterrorism. He appreciated Algeria for the donation that was extended to Uganda.

The Secretary General of Algeria’s Ministry of National Defence, Maj Gen Mohamed Saleh Benbicha, expressed his country’s readiness to share their military experience with Uganda as per the Memorandum of Understanding that will be signed.

In November 2023, a UPDF delegation was in Algeria on a benchmarking visit on the establishment of the Uganda National Military Museum.

Present at the meeting were 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, the Ambassador of Algeria to Uganda, H.E Mohamed Khelifi, among others.