The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has held high-level talks with a delegation from China Aerospace Long-March International Co., Ltd. (ALIT) as Uganda moves to strengthen defence technology cooperation with China.
The meeting, held in Fort Portal, brought together senior officials from ALIT, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), one of China’s leading state-owned aerospace and defence enterprises.
The Chinese delegation comprised Dr Chen Yan, Technical Programme Director; Mr Liu Yin, Lead Advisor; and Mr Teng Yaze, Director of Defence Systems.
ALIT specialises in advanced aerospace and defence technologies, providing integrated solutions in air defence systems, precision-guided weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and border and coastal surveillance. The company also collaborates with partner countries through joint product development, co-production arrangements, technology transfer and technical support.
The discussions build on General Kainerugaba’s official visit to China last year, during which he toured several leading Chinese defence technology companies to explore opportunities for military cooperation and capability development.
Welcoming the delegation, General Kainerugaba reaffirmed the UPDF’s longstanding relationship with the People’s Republic of China and underscored Uganda’s commitment to expanding strategic defence partnerships with trusted international partners.
The CDF also emphasised the UPDF’s preference for engaging directly with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), noting that working directly with state-owned producers such as ALIT enhances transparency, technical support and long-term cooperation while eliminating reliance on third-party intermediaries.
The meeting reflects the UPDF’s ongoing efforts to modernise its defence capabilities, particularly in aerospace and surveillance technologies, as part of broader initiatives to enhance national security, border protection and operational readiness through international technological collaboration.
Uganda and China have maintained close defence relations for decades, with cooperation spanning military training, equipment acquisition, infrastructure development and technical exchange programmes. The latest engagement signals continued efforts by both countries to deepen collaboration in advanced defence technology and capacity building.