# Turkey to train Ugandan special forces

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/05/turkey-to-train-ugandan-special-forces/
- Published: 2024-05-11T10:05:59+01:00
- Author: Patrick Kenyette

The Turkish military is offering to train soldiers of the Ugandan Army, as well 
as the country’s special forces.

The Turkish government is set to approve a Military Training Cooperation Agreement
with Uganda, aiming to establish a framework for military training and cooperation.
Signed in Ankara on September 13, 2022, the agreement awaits ratification by Turkey’s
parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee and endorsement by the General Assembly.

Under this agreement, military personnel from Uganda will engage in exchange programs,
joint exercises, and specialized training in areas such as mine and IED combat, 
communications, and cyber defense. Intelligence training is also included, reflecting
the depth of the military relationship between the two nations.

The agreement covers officers, noncommissioned officer cadets, special sergeants,
rank-and-file personnel, and civilian staff of the Ugandan Armed Forces, along with
their dependents. This initiative is part of Turkey’s ongoing efforts to foster 
military relations with African nations, a policy that has seen significant development
since the 1990s.

Historically, the military cooperation between Turkey and Uganda was formalized 
in 1996. The relationship was further highlighted by the visit of Ugandan Defense
Minister Bright Rwamirama to Ankara in December 2019, where discussions on bilateral
military and defense industry cooperation took place.

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The Ugandan military’s participation in the EFES-2024 exercise in Istanbul, one 
of the Turkish Armed Forces’ largest drills, is a testament to the growing military
ties. The exercise provided an opportunity for Ugandan forces the **People’s Defence
Force (UPDF)** of Uganda, with an estimated strength of 40,000 to 45,000 members,
stands to benefit significantly from this cooperation. Turkey’s commitment to training
and equipping the UPDF is indicative of its intention to forge a strong alliance
with Uganda’s future military leadership.

Turkey’s defense industry, having seen substantial investment in recent years, is
[actively exploring new markets in Africa](https://www.military.africa/2021/01/uganda-displays-turkish-katmerciler-hizir-4x4-armoured-vehicle-ahead-of-election/).
With bilateral agreements already in place with 14 African countries, Turkey is 
expanding its influence in military training, industrial production, and [defense equipment procurement](https://www.military.africa/2021/01/uganda-displays-turkish-katmerciler-hizir-4x4-armoured-vehicle-ahead-of-election/)
and maintenance.

The Turkish Defense Ministry has been proactive in showcasing the success of its
[training programs, particularly with Somali officers](https://www.military.africa/2022/05/turkey-is-building-a-new-deadlier-somali-army/)
and soldiers. The Turkish Task Force Command in Somalia, [Turkey’s largest overseas military base, ](https://www.military.africa/2017/08/turkish-military-to-open-new-military-base-in-somalia/)
has been instrumental in restructuring the Somali army, with around 5,000 Somali
soldiers and officers trained to date.

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This training initiative with Uganda is expected to bolster Turkey’s strategic presence
in Africa and pave the way for increased cooperation in defense and security, benefiting
both nations in their pursuit of stability and development.

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While the Military Training Cooperation Agreement between Turkey and Uganda has 
practical implications for both countries’ armed forces, it also reflects broader
geopolitical interests. As Turkey seeks to expand its defense industry footprint
in Africa, Uganda stands to gain valuable expertise and capacity-building through
this collaboration.

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