Uganda Expands Defence Outreach to Egypt and Türkiye, Seeking Training and Technology
Uganda has moved to broaden its defence cooperation with Egypt and Türkiye, with Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka seeking expanded military training, technology transfer and knowledge-sharing arrangements with both countries, according to reporting by AllAfrica based on Nile Post.
The minister’s outreach reflects Kampala’s continuing effort to diversify its foreign defence partnerships beyond traditional Western and regional security allies. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have long relied on a mix of Western training programmes and cooperation with neighbouring states, but in recent years have expanded engagement with non-traditional partners across the Middle East and Asia as the country works to modernise its military.
Cairo’s growing security role in the Nile Basin
Egypt’s defence ties with Uganda extend beyond bilateral training. Cairo has emerged as a significant security actor across the Nile Basin, where it has historically taken a firm position on water-sharing arrangements, including disputes around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Closer military coordination with Uganda, an upstream Nile state, fits within Egypt’s wider regional posture, which blends economic investment with security cooperation. The two countries have also shared experience in regional peacekeeping, including deployments in Somalia.
Türkiye’s expanding African defence footprint
Türkiye has markedly deepened its defence engagement across Africa over the past decade, positioning itself as an alternative supplier of training, equipment and — through its nationally developed drone and naval platforms — military technology. Turkish defence firms have sold unmanned aerial systems to several African governments, and Turkish academies have hosted African military officers for specialised courses. A partnership with Uganda would extend that reach further into East Africa, where Ankara has also pursued commercial port and infrastructure deals.
The push for expanded training and technology-sharing comes as Uganda continues to participate in regional security operations and modernise its armed forces. Details of any specific agreements reached with Cairo or Ankara have not yet been made public.
Sources
This report was written from coverage published by the following news organisations. Follow the links for the original reporting.
