Uganda Advocates for Capability-Driven Defence Partnerships

Uganda is advocating for a new paradigm in international defense cooperation, moving beyond rigid geopolitical alliances to embrace flexible partnerships. The focus, according to Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka, should be on a nation’s capabilities, mutual interests, and shared security responsibilities, rather than traditional alliances.

Speaking at the 15th Seoul Defence Dialogue in South Korea, Kiwanuka argued that contemporary security threats necessitate collaboration based on who can offer specific expertise and resources. He contrasted this with the outdated model of aligning against common enemies, emphasizing instead the question: “Who can contribute useful capabilities to particular security challenges?”

Kiwanuka highlighted Uganda’s “interests, not identity” principle, asserting that countries need not share geography, culture, or identity to effectively cooperate on security matters. He used the example of Uganda’s partnership with South Korea, a nation geographically and culturally distant, yet one with whom Uganda has forged cooperation in military education, healthcare, and defense modernization.

The Ugandan minister also called for a re-evaluation of how African nations are perceived in global defense dialogues. He stressed that African countries should be seen as active security partners, not merely recipients of aid. Kiwanuka proposed five key priorities for future defense partnerships: shifting from security assistance to building sustainable national capabilities, treating Africa as an equal security partner, strengthening African self-reliance with international support, promoting defense industrialization and technological sovereignty, and investing in human capital.

During the sidelines of the dialogue, Kiwanuka met with South Korea’s Defence Minister Ahn Gyuback to explore avenues for enhanced bilateral military cooperation. Uganda proposed establishing a Centre of Excellence for Taekwondo in Uganda, with South Korean technical support, to foster military and civilian expertise and facilitate exchanges. Additionally, Uganda sought South Korean assistance in developing its military medical capabilities, including training and hospital management.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/370877/uganda-calls-for-capability-based-defence-partnerships