The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja has today met with the Deputy Managing Director for Africa at the European Union External Service; H.E Benard Quintin.

The meeting at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala; aimed at strengthening cooperation in the areas of peace and security, most especially in the Great Lakes Region.

Hon Ssempijja extended his gratitude to the European Union for their continuous support toward a peaceful and stable Africa.

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Vincent Ssempijja chairing a meeting between the Ministry of Defence and EU Team

He affirmed Uganda’s position that the deployment of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) as agreed by the East African Heads of State in 2022 is still key to fighting the negative forces in the region, especially in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where negative forces have created spillover effects of insecurity into the neighbouring states. “For us in Uganda, we believe that the East African family, the East African Regional Force is a very good solution needed to achieve sustained peace in Africa’s Great Lakes Region,” Hon Ssempijja observed.

In his remarks, H.E. Quintin noted that a more prosperous future for the region and its people hinged on creating a safe and secure environment. “For the sake of the people who are suffering and for the economic development of the region, what is important is to silence the gun and bring peace in the region. Without peace, there is no development and without development, there is no peace,” H.E Quintin emphasized.

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja welcomes H.E Bernard Quintin at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya

Speaking at the same meeting, the Permanent Secretary for MODVA Mrs. Rosette Byengoma called for mutual understanding and trust among regional member states, enhanced dialogue and consultation with development partners to advance common development and prosperity in the region so that the gains of development reach more people.

The two parties agreed to deepen mutual cooperation and work for common development in the region and beyond.

Mrs. Rosette Byengoma PS Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs charts with the EU visiting team

The meeting was also attended by UPDF senior officers and representatives from the EU.

A group photo of Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs leadership with the EU Delegates