CDF Gen Kainerugaba and Acting U.S. Ambassador discuss bilateral relations
During the engagement in Fort Portal, General Kainerugaba welcomed the Acting Ambassador and commended the United States for its long-standing partnership with Uganda.
The Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, presenting a gift to the Acting Ambassador of the United States Mission in Uganda, Mikael (Mika) Cleverley during a meeting in Fort Portal on July 8. (Courtesy photos)
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The Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has held talks with the Acting Ambassador of the United States Mission in Uganda, Mikael (Mika) Cleverley.
The meeting, held in Fort Portal on Wednesday, July 08, is Cleverley’s first official engagement with Uganda’s military leadership since assuming his role last month.
Early last month, Cleverley, who serves as the United States Deputy Ambassador/ Deputy Chief of Mission in Uganda, was appointed acting ambassador following William W. Popp's end of tour in Kampala early last month.
During the engagement in Fort Portal, General Kainerugaba welcomed the Acting Ambassador and commended the United States for its long-standing partnership with Uganda.
A release from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans' Affairs (MoDVA) states that the CDF particularly highlighted partnerships in: military training, counter-terrorism, health, and regional security.
General Kainerugaba also raised concerns regarding the continued travel advisories issued by the U.S. government.
He noted that these advisories negatively affect Uganda’s tourism sector, which is a key pillar of the national economy and a significant source of livelihood for many Ugandans. He reiterated Uganda’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all visitors.
Cleverley, who thanked the CDF for hosting him, pledged Washington’s commitment to strengthening and deepening the bilateral relationship between the United States and Uganda.
According to the release, he acknowledged the importance of the partnership and expressed his desire to build on the existing foundation of cooperation.
Present at the meeting were: the Commander Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen. Richard Otto, Lt. Col. Christian Noumba, the US Defense Attaché to Uganda; and veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda.