Gen Muhoozi Meets U.S. Envoy William Popp

The Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has met with the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp.

The meeting took place at the Special Forces Headquarters in Entebbe on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Muhoozi praised the “long-standing relationship and cooperation between Uganda and the United States of America”, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that this bilateral partnership continues to thrive.

The meeting comes months after Muhoozi threatened to have Amb Popp expelled from Uganda for reportedly undermining Uganda’s constitution. 

The meeting appears to have been aimed at reinvigorating Kampala’s ties with Washington.

Ambassador Popp was accompanied by the U.S. Military Attaché to Uganda, Lt. Col. Christian Noumba.

In his remarks, Gen. Muhoozi highlighted the deep-rooted history of collaboration between the two nations, stressing that nothing should undermine this enduring partnership. 

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962, Uganda and the United States have worked together across a wide range of areas—diplomatic, security, economic, health, and cultural,” said Muhoozi.

“Our partnership has been built on a foundation of mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and development,” he added.

Uganda’s army chief further emphasized the cultural and historical ties between the two nations, noting, “Beyond diplomatic relations, the similarities between our peoples are deeply rooted in our cultures and shared heritage. The United States, with its Black population of over 40 million people, is a natural ally of Uganda and Africa.”

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The CDF also commended the United States for its support in Uganda’s development journey. He acknowledged that through various initiatives, Uganda and its people have significantly benefited from American cooperation. 

Gen. Muhoozi further reiterated Uganda’s commitment to bilateral cooperation, saying, “Together, we have achieved remarkable progress, and I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow stronger in the years to come.”

He added: Let us seize this moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and the well-being of our people, ensuring that our partnership continues to thrive for generations to come.”

On his part, Ambassador Popp expressed his gratitude to the CDF for the opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the United States and Uganda.  

The Ambassador also commended Uganda for its leadership role in Somalia where the UPDF has been fighting terrorism and its open policy on refugees, which has provided sanctuary to thousands fleeing conflict and instability. 

Amb Popp reiterated his optimism that the cooperation between the U.S. and Uganda would continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.