KAMPALA – Uganda has signed a defense cooperation agreement with the Czech Republic aimed at establishing and enhancing bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.
Col (Rtd) Charles Engola the outgoing State Minister of Defence in Charge of General Duties and his counterpart the Czech Republic Deputy Minister for Defence Industrial Cooperation signed the memorandum of understanding for their respective countries at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mbuya.
During the event that took place, Thursday (June 10, 2021), Engola said that the signing of the MoU cements the cordial relationship that Uganda and Czech Republic enjoy.
A release from Defence headquarters states that Hon Engola, explained that the agreement follows prior engagements between the two countries in 2016 when he led a delegation of Senior UPDF Officers to Prague to participate in the Future Forces Forum seminar where they had fruitful discussions in the areas of defence cooperation and other business ventures which the two countries could engage in.
The release adds that, in his brief remarks, Dr. Tomas Kopecny the Deputy Minister for Defence Industrial Cooperation said Czech Republic cherishes the partnership with Uganda and this partnership has grown over the years which required to be cemented with a tangible document and framework for cooperation.
Dr. Kopecny added that the cooperation will involve exchange of information, technologies and partnership to strengthen the UPDF through finding new partnerships given the history of the two countries.
He said that UPDF is a cornerstone for regional stability adding that his country seeks to be part of that story through peacemaking activities where Uganda is praised for.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Rosette Byengoma and the Honorary Consul of Czech Republic to Uganda, Stephen M. Kaboyo, witnessed the signing of the MoU.
In a related development, the minister Dr. Tomas Kopecny had talks with the commandant of the Special Forces Command, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, during a meeting at SFC Headquarters, Entebbe.
“Today, it was our honour to receive the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic, Honourable Tomáš Kopečný, at SFC Headquarters. I thank him and his delegation for their visit.
“I also thank the Czech Republic for signing a Defence Cooperation Agreement with Uganda,” stated Lt. Gen Muhoozi in a post on social media.
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