Gen Kainerugaba, China’s military industry chief discuss defence cooperation

___________________

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), who also serves as the Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, on September 20, 2025, visited the headquarters of China’s leading defence contractor, China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO).

NORINCO is also recognised as the world’s largest defence contractor, with revenues of $82.6 billion in 2023.

According to a UPDF statement issued on Saturday, Gen. Kainerugaba, accompanied by senior commanders Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori and Maj. Gen. Dan Kakono was given an extensive tour of NORINCO’s facilities, where the company showcased its latest technological innovations and defence solutions.

The CDF was received by NORINCO president Chen Defang and other members of the organisation’s senior leadership.

Following the tour, Gen. Kainerugaba and his team held discussions with the NORINCO president and senior technical and strategic leaders, focusing on potential areas of cooperation.

The visit to the defence industry giant, whose relationship with the UPDF dates back to 1986, came at the end of a week of high-level engagements by the CDF. One such engagement was Gen. Kainerugaba’s participation in the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a premier international security conference where he joined top global military leaders to discuss peace and security challenges.

During the trip, Gen. Kainerugaba and his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli, Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, also oversaw the signing of a new military cooperation agreement between Uganda and China. The agreement lays the foundation for deeper collaboration in the future.

At NORINCO headquarters, Gen. Kainerugaba reflected on the long-standing partnership and expressed optimism about enhanced cooperation, particularly in technology exchange and military collaboration.

NORINCO’s leadership thanked Gen. Kainerugaba for the visit, reaffirming their confidence in the strong relations between Uganda and China and pledging continued support for the UPDF’s modernisation efforts.

Beyond NORINCO, the CDF also met Liu Yuxi, special representative of the Chinese government on African affairs, underscoring the diplomatic aspect of the trip. Earlier, the delegation visited the headquarters of the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), a key player in aviation technology, highlighting Uganda’s interest in broadening its defence and technological partnerships.

This series of high-level engagements reflects the UPDF leadership’s efforts to strengthen defence and diplomatic ties with China, aimed at advancing mutual security and technological development.