Kampala, Uganda: James Heappey MP, the United Kingdom’s Minister of Armed Forces, was in Kampala this week for a one-day visit.
This is the first time Mr Heappey has visited Uganda in his role as Minister of Armed Forces and it signals the UK’s continued commitment to the UK-Uganda security partnership and recognition of the key role Uganda plays in regional security and stability.
His visit included a meeting with the H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Defence Minister Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs) Hon. John Mulimba.
As one of the largest Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its successor the new African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and one of the guarantors of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement in South Sudan, Uganda plays a key role in regional security and stability.
Uganda is a key ally for the UK in East Africa and during his visit, Mr Heappey had the opportunity to discuss regional security issues affecting both the UK and Uganda, including the newly endorsed concept of operations for ATMIS, the need for continued progress in South Sudan as well as ongoing UK support to the UPDF.
Support for the UPDF forms part of the UK Government’s regional security programme in East and Central Africa and is designed specifically to improve capacity in line with international human rights standards.
Training is aimed at ensuring Ugandan officers are fully cognisant of their international responsibilities and able to act as part of regional and international peace and stabilisation forces, for example enhancing the Ugandan response to Al-Shabaab and helping to tackle the ongoing illegal wildlife trading within the region.
The Minister’s visit was also an opportunity to discuss the situation in Ukraine and counter disinformation about the illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
The UK has been unwavering in its support for Ukraine and the total offer of support to Ukraine from the UK now totals around £400m, including £220m of humanitarian aid.
The UK has been clear from the beginning that, as a free and democratic country, Ukraine has the right to determine its own future and make its own security arrangements.
The UK Prime Minister has vowed to continue to work with partners to support the Ukrainian Government in the face of Russian aggression and make sure Russia cannot further undermine European stability.
Speaking about his visit, James Heappey said: “Historically, Uganda has always been a loyal friend to the UK and it remains one of the UK’s closest allies in East Africa. Their unwavering commitment to regional security, particularly in Somalia, brings benefits that extend much further afield than just East Africa. We recognise and appreciate the key role Uganda plays across the region, and the UK will work closely with the Ugandans and their regional partners, including the East African community, to support peace and security initiatives in Somalia, South Sudan and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.”
Kate Airey, British High Commissioner to Uganda added: “Uganda has an important role to play in reducing regional conflict and the sacrifices that Ugandan troops have made in attaining regional security are recognised and appreciated. The UK, through our Ministry of Defence will continue to help to build the capacity of the Ugandan Peoples Defence Force (UPDF), ensuring they can respond appropriately and proportionally to potential security threats, including terrorism and emerging humanitarian crises whilst upholding international law and human rights.”
