Uganda and South Africa Bolster Defence Intelligence Ties

Uganda and South Africa are set to deepen their collaboration in defence intelligence, acknowledging that security challenges in one region can quickly impact others. This enhanced cooperation is seen as vital for maintaining stability across the African continent.

The agreement was reached during a defence intelligence exchange held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. The meeting involved Ugandan defence officials and a delegation from South Africa.

Brig. Gen. Oscar Munanura, Uganda’s Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, highlighted the shared security interests between the two nations. He emphasized that Uganda’s strategic position in East Africa and South Africa’s influence in the Southern region make their joint efforts crucial for continental peace and security.

Munanura noted that the security landscape necessitates closer intelligence sharing, as threats can easily transcend national borders and regional blocs. “What affects one part of Africa can affect the other. What threatens regional stability can quickly become a continental concern,” he stated.

He also recalled the long-standing defence relationship between the two countries, which traces back to their respective liberation struggles and has evolved into formal agreements, training exchanges, and technological cooperation.

Representing the South African delegation, Captain Mokoe expressed Pretoria’s keen interest in expanding bilateral ties beyond current military engagements. He indicated that political leaders from both nations support strengthening cooperation across political, security, economic, and social spheres.

Mokoe affirmed that the existing military relationship, including training and exchange programs, is built upon established joint cooperation frameworks. This latest engagement reaffirms their dedication to strengthening defence and security links through continued military exchanges and other bilateral initiatives.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/370698/uganda-south-africa-step-up-defence-intelligence-cooperation