Minister Oboth Urges Türkiye To Establish Defence Manufacturing Hub In Uganda

Hon Jacob Marksons Oboth, Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, has called on Türkiye to set up a defence manufacturing hub in Uganda, capitalising on the country’s strategic position in Africa. He suggested that Uganda could serve as a regional base, similar to Türkiye’s role in Asia and Europe.

During a meeting with a Turkish delegation at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters, Hon Oboth highlighted the potential for Uganda to build on existing agreements with Türkiye, which date back to 2016.

These agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and defence cooperation pacts in areas such as technology transfer, research, and training, were emphasised as key to future collaboration. “This is our hope: that these agreements translate into tangible projects. Partnering with Türkiye in business and cooperation will allow us to build capacity and set trends in the defence industry,” he said.

The collaboration will be facilitated by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the MODVA and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).

Ambassador Mehmet Fatih Ak, Turkey’s envoy to Uganda, expressed Türkiye’s commitment to furthering the partnership, underscoring Uganda’s strategic importance. “Uganda is a stable country with a strong army, contributing to regional stability. This collaboration opens new opportunities for both nations,” he noted.

Lt Gen James Mugira, Managing Director of NEC, pointed out the shift in the Uganda-Türkiye relationship from a buyer-seller dynamic to one of capacity-building. “Now we will be able to build capacity as a country, and that’s when we benefit from this relationship that will be a win-win for both sides,” he said.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials from both nations, including Mrs Rosette Byengoma, MODVA Permanent Secretary;  Mr Francis Ngabirano Kahiriita, MODVA Under Secretary Logistics;  Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff; Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi, General Manager of Luwero Industries; Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura, Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Türkiye; and the head of the Turkish delegation, Gökhan Uçar.