(Doha) – Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, recently met with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence, Dr Khaled bin Muhammed Al-Attiyah, in Doha to discuss deepening military cooperation between the two nations. Gen Kainerugaba’s visit follows an invitation from Qatar’s Armed Forces, highlighting the mutual interest in advancing a military partnership formalized in a 2017 cooperation agreement.
During their meeting, held at Dr Al-Attiyah’s office, Gen Kainerugaba toured key military installations to observe Qatar’s defense capabilities and infrastructure. Later, Dr Al-Attiyah hosted Gen Kainerugaba for a luncheon at his residence, where the two leaders engaged in cordial discussions. While specific details of their talks were not publicly disclosed, the visit aimed to bolster areas of cooperation, especially in military training, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism.
The existing military cooperation agreement between Uganda and Qatar, signed in 2017, is designed to enhance collaboration across various strategic defense areas. The agreement specifically emphasizes training, intelligence sharing, and counter terrorism initiatives, recognizing the increasing need for joint efforts in combating global security threats.
Before meeting with Dr Al-Attiyah, Gen Kainerugaba also engaged in discussions with Maj Gen Jassim Al-Attiyah, the Commander of Qatar’s Joint Special Forces. At the Joint Special Forces Headquarters, the Ugandan CDF was given a guided tour, where he was briefed on the specialized capabilities and operational readiness of Qatar’s elite forces.
| Meeting Summary | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Meeting with | Dr Khaled bin Muhammed Al-Attiyah, Qatar’s Deputy PM and Defence State Minister |
| Venue of Main Discussions | Defence Ministry, followed by luncheon at Dr Al-Attiyah’s residence |
| Military Cooperation Focus Areas | Training, Intelligence Sharing, Counter-Terrorism |
| Additional Meeting with | Maj Gen Jassim Al-Attiyah, Joint Special Forces Commander |
| Accompanied by | Col Christopher Muwumba (Military Assistant), Lt Col Dr Richard Katungye (UPDF Medical Services) |
The delegation supporting Gen Kainerugaba included Col Christopher Muwumba, his military assistant, and Lt Col Dr Richard Katungye, the Director of Medical Services for the UPDF Special Forces Command. Together, they represented Uganda’s interest in sustaining and strengthening the military partnership with Qatar.
Earlier in the visit, Gen Kainerugaba met other high-ranking Qatari defense officials, including leaders from Qatar’s Military Police Forces and the National Service Academy, to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore opportunities for further military engagement.
Uganda and Qatar’s defense collaboration was initially formalized in 2017, when Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, visited Qatar. During this visit, the two nations signed four critical agreements covering defense, political consultations, investment protection, and agricultural cooperation. The agreements were signed in the presence of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and other high-ranking officials at the Emir’s palace in Doha, marking a milestone in Uganda-Qatar relations.
