Kampala, Uganda – The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, held a bilateral engagement with H.E. Matthias Schauer, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Uganda, reaffirming the enduring and constructive bilateral relations between the two countries. The meeting, held at the Special Forces Command Headquarters, underscored the importance both governments attached to sustained dialogue and cooperation across defence and broader national interest sectors.
The engagement formed part of ongoing high-level consultations between Kampala and Berlin and followed Amb. Schauer’s earlier meeting with His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This continuity of interaction reflected the depth and maturity of Uganda–Germany relations, as well as the shared commitment to maintaining open channels of communication at both political and institutional levels. Discussions during the meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, with particular attention given to defence cooperation, regional stability, and the evolving security environment in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa regions. Both sides exchanged views on the role of defence institutions in supporting peace, development, and international cooperation, recognising security as an enabler of socio-economic progress rather than an end in itself.
General Kainerugaba emphasised Uganda’s commitment to professional defence engagement, anchored in respect for sovereignty, international law, and regional cooperation frameworks. He noted that Uganda continued to view defence diplomacy as an important component of its foreign policy, complementing diplomatic, economic, and development partnerships. Amb. Schauer, for his part, acknowledged Uganda’s contribution to regional peace and security efforts and reiterated Germany’s interest in a stable and prosperous East Africa. He highlighted the value Germany attached to dialogue, capacity building, and partnership-based cooperation, noting that Uganda remained an important interlocutor in the region.
Both parties reviewed the historical trajectory of Uganda–Germany relations, which have been marked by long-standing cooperation in development, governance, security sector support, and people-to-people exchanges. The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on future prospects, with both sides expressing readiness to explore new areas of collaboration consistent with their respective national priorities. The engagement concluded with a shared understanding that any emerging differences would continue to be addressed through diplomatic engagement and mutual respect. Overall, the meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both Uganda and Germany to strengthening their bilateral relationship through dialogue, partnership, and constructive defence diplomacy.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and H.E. Matthias Schauer, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Uganda at the Special Forces Command Headquarters (Courtesy Photos)
