Uganda lauds Egypt on education, military support 

Maj. Rwamirama (fourth left) and Egyptian defence attaché Col. Ahmed Abo Shark and other dignitaries cut cake during the Egyptian Armed Forces Day celebrations at Kampala Sheraton Hotel yesterday. Photos by Ramadhan Abbey

State minister for defence in charge of veteran affairs Lt Col Bright Rwamirama has hailed the Egyptian government for the support rendered in training Ugandans in defence, agriculture and education.   

"Uganda's bilateral co-operation with Egypt is not only in defence and security, but it stretches to areas of trade, agriculture education and training," he said.

Rwamirama added that the relationship is aimed at transforming both countries. He said this during a dinner where Uganda joined Egypt in Kampala to celebrate the Armed Forces Day anniversary on Thursday at Kampala Sheraton Hotel .

"I am happy to mention that Uganda has new a defence attaché in Cairo to strengthen co-operation in matters of defence and security. Both countries have a common stand on many issues, especially in fighting terrorism," he noted.

Maj. Rwamirama admires Egyptian food as attaché Col. Ahmed Abo Shark and other looks on

He added that Egypt has been instrumental in training personnel in areas of counter-terrorism, which has greatly enhanced the nation's counter-terrorism capacity.

Egyptian defence office was opened in Kampala in 2014 and Uganda opened the same in Cairo recently to strengthen Egyptian-Ugandan military relations.

Rwamirama said the two countries' relationship goes way back to the creation of the universe and this can be observed by the connection of River Nile that starts in Uganda and ends in Egypt.

Egyptian Armed Forces Day is commemorated every year to remember Egypt's famous victory over Israel in 1973.

On October 6, 1973, Egypt supported by its air force and fighting under the command of Gen. Hosni Mubarak defeated Israelists, who had been occupying the Sinai Pensinsula (belonging to Egypt), for over six years.

During the celebration, a video showcasing that famous victory was exhibited on giant screens to the audience that included dignitaries from foreign embassies in Uganda and top officials from the military and the civil service.

Col. Ahmed Abo Shark, the Egyptian defence attaché in Uganda, said the 1973 victory was not an experience, but it was a struggle of the people of Egypt to regain peace, restore security and transit from depression to hope.

He paid tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives to give them reason for pride on such a day. He also paid tribute to the victims and those that injured in the war.

"The historical ties between Egypt and Uganda, are based on unity of purpose, destiny and common life, and no one can ignore this fact that we are the sons of the Nile River," Shark said.

He added that since he came to Uganda, he has been impressed by the hospitality of Ugandan people and promised his country's continued co-operation with Uganda.