Gen Muhoozi lauds Uganda-US relations, calls for deeper cooperation
Uganda's first son and Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba (R), poses for a photo with the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William Popp, at the Special Forces Headquarters in Entebbe on February 12, 2025. Photo | Courtesy | UPDF
What you need to know:
- Ambassador Popp was accompanied by the U.S. Military Attaché to Uganda, Lt. Col. Christian Noumba.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has praised the longstanding relationship and cooperation between Uganda and the United States of America, emphasising the importance of ensuring that this bilateral partnership continues to thrive.
During a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William Popp, at the Special Forces Headquarters in Entebbe on Wednesday, Gen. Kainerugaba highlighted the deep-rooted history of collaboration between the two nations.
"Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962, Uganda and the United States have worked together across a wide range of areas—diplomatic, security, economic, health, and cultural. Our partnership has been built on a foundation of mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and development," Gen. Kainerugaba stated.
Gen. Kainerugaba also emphasised the cultural and historical ties between the two nations, noting that "beyond diplomatic relations, the similarities between our peoples are deeply rooted in our cultures and shared heritage. The United States, with its Black population of over 40 million people, is a natural ally of Uganda and Africa."
According to a statement by the UPDF, the CDF commended the United States for its support in Uganda's development journey, acknowledging that through various initiatives, Uganda and its people have significantly benefited from American cooperation.
Gen. Kainerugaba reiterated Uganda's commitment to the bilateral cooperation, saying, "Together, we have achieved remarkable progress, and I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow stronger in the years to come. Let us seize this moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and the well-being of our people, ensuring that our partnership continues to thrive for generations to come."
Ambassador Popp expressed his gratitude to the CDF for the opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the United States and Uganda.
"I am honoured to be here today to reaffirm the United States' commitment to our partnership with Uganda. We value our relationship with Uganda and are committed to working together to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in the region," Ambassador Popp said.
Ambassador Popp was accompanied by the U.S. Military Attaché to Uganda, Lt. Col. Christian Noumba.
The Ambassador commended Uganda for its leadership role in Somalia, where the UPDF has been fighting terrorism, and its open policy on refugees, which has provided sanctuary to thousands fleeing conflict and instability.
He reiterated his optimism that the cooperation between the U.S. and Uganda would continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.
The meeting comes after a controversy sparked by Gen. Kainerugaba's social media remarks, where he demanded an apology from Amb. Popp and even threatened to deport him.
"If this current US Ambassador does not apologise to Mzee personally by Monday morning (9.00am) for his undiplomatic behaviour in our country we will demand he leaves Uganda. We have no problem with the USA, as I have said many times it is a country we love and admire. But lately we have a lot of evidence that they have been working against the NRM government," Gen Muhoozi tweeted then.
