Turkish defence textile firm eyes long-term partnership, local production in Uganda
Raff Military Textile, a Turkish manufacturer with more than eight decades of experience, is positioning Uganda as a strategic market as trade and economic relations between the two countries continue to deepen.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Wednesday at Sheraton Hotel, the company's CEO, Eray Yükseloğlu, said Raff Military Textile is not interested in simply supplying off-the-shelf military uniforms and equipment but wants to build long-term relationships that could eventually strengthen local capacity.
KAMPALA - Türkiye is setting its sights on Uganda's growing defence and security market, with one of its leading military textile manufacturers signalling plans to move beyond product sales and explore local partnerships, skills transfer, and potentially production in the country.
Raff Military Textile, a Turkish manufacturer with more than eight decades of experience, is positioning Uganda as a strategic market as trade and economic relations between the two countries continue to deepen.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Wednesday at Sheraton Hotel, the company's CEO, Eray Yükseloğlu, said Raff Military Textile is not interested in simply supplying off-the-shelf military uniforms and equipment but wants to build long-term relationships that could eventually strengthen local capacity.
“We did not come to Uganda simply to sell products. We came to listen to Uganda, understand its needs, and build a long-term structure together,” Yükseloğlu said.
His comments come as Uganda continues to invest in security and defence, creating opportunities for manufacturers of military clothing, tactical equipment, boots, and protective gear.
He said the company considers factors such as Uganda's climate, operating conditions, sizing requirements, fabric selection, colours, durability, and comfort before developing products.
“The most important lesson from our experience in Africa is that the continent cannot be treated as a single market,” he said, noting that each country has different security priorities, procurement systems, and user expectations.
The company is also exploring opportunities to deepen its presence in Uganda. Yükseloğlu said the initial strategy would involve working with reliable local partners who understand the market, procurement processes, and local requirements.
As business volumes grow, he said, the company could consider establishing local stockholding, distribution, and after-sales support, alongside training and selected production or assembly activities.
Such an arrangement, he said, could create employment and transfer skills in areas including production, quality control, and technical processes.
The company is also seeking to compete on value rather than simply offering the lowest price. Yükseloğlu said Raff focuses on durable products made with appropriate materials, reinforced construction, and functional designs, while avoiding unnecessary features that increase costs without improving performance.
“Our approach is not to offer the cheapest product. It is to provide a product at the right price, one that can be used for a long time and delivers genuine value for the investment,” he said.
Beyond military and police uniforms, Raff manufactures firefighter protective clothing, industrial workwear, private security uniforms, rainwear, boots, and personal protective equipment for sectors including construction, mining, energy, logistics, and emergency response.
For Uganda, Yükseloğlu said, the ambition is ultimately bigger than a supplier-customer relationship.
“We are not looking for a temporary sales opportunity in Uganda; we are looking for a lasting partnership that will grow over many years,” he said.