Joint teams from Egypt and Uganda yesterday witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen ties between both countries, most especially in the field of military co-operation.
The defence and veteran affairs minister, Adolf Mwesige, signed on behalf of the Ugandan Government, while the assistant minister of defence, Maj. Gen. Emad Mohammed Abdelaziz Helmy Elmasry signed on behalf of the Egyptian Government.
The event took place at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. In his remarks, Mwesige commended the Egyptian government for sustaining the relationship between both countries, adding that the support and brotherhood between Uganda and Egypt had enabled co-operation in military training, health and welfare-related programmes.
He said both countries have a common interest in protecting the Source of River Nile since the lives and the future of people in Uganda and Egypt are hinged on its preservation.
“Since its inception, Uganda has enjoyed strong diplomatic and strategic relations with Egypt in different areas. It is, therefore, important for our countries to have a robust defence system for development and transformation,” Mwesige said, according to a release from the defence and veteran affairs ministry.
Mwesige also described the recent visit by the veteran affairs state minister, Lt Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama, to the department of veteran affairs in the Egyptian Armed Forces as very educational in terms of mapping out a strategy to support UPDF veterans.
Elmasry said the brotherhood between the two countries and the signing of the MOU would enhance the relationship between both countries in the field of military co-operation. Elmasry appreciated Uganda’s efforts towards deepening this military co-operation since both countries have common goals and promised to implement all articles in the MOU.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of State for Defence in Charge of General Duties, Col (rtd) Charles Engola; the Ambassador of Egypt to Uganda Arek Sallam; the defence ministry permanent secretary, Rosette Byengoma and the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi.