By Hamza Kyeyune
KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - A senior official of the Ugandan armed forces said the Turkish defense industry is on the rise, expressing Uganda’s readiness to further strengthen military relations with Türkiye.
Speaking at a ceremony hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Kampala on Friday to celebrate Türkiye’s 102nd anniversary of victory over the occupying Greek army, Uganda's deputy chief of land forces, Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa, said Uganda’s troops on a peace mission in Somalia immensely benefited from the Turkish armament.
Uganda was the first East African country to deploy troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), now the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATIMS), in March 2007. The Ugandan contingent remains the largest, with more than 6,000 troops.
Turkish Ambassador to Uganda Fatih Ak in his speech praised Uganda’s positive contributions toward the peace and stability in Somalia and the region.
“Today, we remember once again with deep gratitude, our great leader Atatürk, his brothers in arms, all heroes and martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and homeland. May God bless their souls and may they rest in peace,” he said.
“Our bilateral brotherly relations with Uganda are strong and Türkiye will continue to support Uganda,” he added.
The day of pride, formally known as Victory Day, ceremony in Kampala was attended by representatives of Uganda defense forces, officials and diplomats from several countries.
Türkiye and Uganda cooperate in the industrial production, procurement and maintenance of military and defense material as well as technical and logistical support.