Uganda and the United Kingdom have strengthened their defence and strategic partnership during high-level talks between Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and H.E. Lisa Chesney, UK High Commissioner to Uganda.
The meeting took place on 19th December, 2025 at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe.
According to the UPDF, discussions focused on expanding military cooperation, including a proposal under review by the UK government to deploy UK military medical personnel at the UPDF National Referral Hospital.
“The CDF and the UPDF reaffirmed mutual respect and the importance of sustaining high-level engagements to strengthen cooperation between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” the UPDF said in a statement.
Other key areas of discussion included support for UPDF training schools, which both parties highlighted as crucial for professionalizing the force and enhancing operational effectiveness.
Gen. Kainerugaba emphasized the value of the long-standing defence partnership, noting that continued engagement with the UK helps build trust, capacity, and operational readiness within the UPDF.
“Our cooperation with the United Kingdom remains important in advancing shared security and training objectives,” the CDF noted.
High Commissioner Chesney emphasized the UK’s commitment to working closely with Uganda on defence and security matters.
“The United Kingdom attaches great importance to its partnership with the UPDF and remains open to areas of collaboration that enhance mutual security interests,” she said.
Both sides indicated that further engagements are expected, as they continue to explore practical avenues for cooperation and joint initiatives in defence, training, and security.
With further engagements planned, the discussions highlight a shared vision for a stronger, more capable UPDF and a sustained defence partnership between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
