The European Union Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Jan Sadek, met with General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe.The meeting focused on regional security and issues of mutual concern.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Sadek for his efforts in strengthening the ties between Uganda and the European Union through regular engagements.
Ambassador Sadek commended the UPDF for its pivotal role in promoting regional security and stability. He assured General Kainerugaba of the EU’s continued support and cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing peace initiatives in the region.
Relatedly the Kenya High Commissioner to Uganda, His Excellency Joash Maangi, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The Kenyan diplomat was accompanied by Kenya’s Defence Attaché to Uganda, Colonel Patrick Kaduda, and other senior officials from the Kenyan High Commission.
The meeting was also attended by Brig. Gen. Paul Namawa, the Special Forces Command Chief of Staff and Col. Christopher Muwumba, the CDF’s Military Assistant.
In the meeting took place at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe, Ambassador Maangi expressed his gratitude to General Kainerugaba for granting him and his delegation the opportunity to meet.
The visit follows the publication of an article in a Kenyan newspaper, The Standard, which was disrespectful toward the person and office of Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces. During the meeting, the Kenyan delegation clarified that the government of Kenya had no involvement in the publication of the article. They further extended an apology to General Kainerugaba for the offensive content.
It is worth noting that the newspaper also issued a formal apology through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging General Kainerugaba’s distinguished military career and accomplishments.
In his remarks, General Kainerugaba emphasized that no issue, regardless of its scale, should undermine the historical bond between Uganda and Kenya. The CDF stressed the importance of mutual respect and dignity toward leaders from both countries, underscoring the need to preserve the strong ties that unite the two nations.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts. Ambassador Maangi presented traditional Kenyan attire and a lion sculpture, which he said were sent by Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahiriri. In return, General Kainerugaba gifted the delegation a copy of the President’s autobiography, a book showcasing Uganda’s tourism attractions, and Ugandan coffee.