KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda and Burundi have formalized a long-anticipated military cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening their bilateral relations.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed Tuesday at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, with top defense and government officials from both nations in attendance.
Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Marksons Oboth, welcomed the Burundian delegation and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, which he said had been two years in the making.
“We are all excited to have you here for this process, which we should have signed two years ago,” Oboth said, emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to deeper defense ties. “This MoU offers opportunities for cooperation in various military and defence sectors.”
The agreement outlines collaboration in joint military training, operations, and exercises; technical and logistical support, including access to spare parts and equipment; defense policy; military health services; environmental protection; and disaster response.
It also facilitates exchange visits for senior military and civilian personnel and promotes interaction through sports and other joint activities to build stronger relationships between the two countries’ defense forces.
Burundi’s Minister of National Defence and War Veterans, Alain Tribert Mutabazi, hailed the agreement as a significant step forward for both nations.
He credited the leadership of both heads of state for making the agreement possible, noting its “immense potential” for strengthening ties.
Mutabazi also acknowledged existing cooperation, including academic exchanges in military institutions, and praised joint military exercises under the East African Community for enhancing collective capability and coordination.
Ugandan officials present included MODVA Permanent Secretary Rosette Nyengoma, Under Secretary for the UPDF Air Force James Mutabazi, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, Chief of Joint Staff Maj. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, and Director of Legal Services Brig. Gen. Aloysious Kagoro.
The Burundian delegation included Ambassador Brig. Jules Ndihokubwayo, Chief of Military Intelligence Col. Jean d’Affaires Manirakiza, and Administration and Protocol Officer Maj. Audace Mbazumutima.
The signing marks a new phase in Uganda-Burundi defense collaboration, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to regional peace, stability, and cooperation.
