By Caroline.N.
Speakers of national parliaments from across the East African region have met with the leadership of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), including the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), in a high-level engagement aimed at reinforcing regional unity, security cooperation, and long-term strategic collaboration.
The meeting, held in Kampala, brought together parliamentary speakers and representatives from East African Community (EAC) member states, senior UPDF commanders, and officials from Uganda’s Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. It is part of ongoing efforts to deepen political dialogue and promote collective approaches to peace, stability, and development within the bloc.
During the engagement, the CDF briefed the visiting Speakers on Uganda’s defence priorities, the UPDF’s regional peace-keeping commitments, and the critical role of collaborative security in safeguarding the achievements of the EAC. He emphasised that regional integration is strengthened not only by economic cooperation, but also by mutual trust and coordinated responses to common threats such as terrorism, cross-border crime, and instability in conflict-prone areas.
The Speakers expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interact directly with the UPDF leadership and underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening ties between partner states. They highlighted that political, defence, and legislative institutions must work hand-in-hand to advance the vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous East African Community.
In their discussions, participants stressed the significance of harmonising legislation that supports regional security frameworks, including cross-border military operations, disaster response mechanisms, and counter-terrorism strategies. They noted that parliaments play a crucial oversight role in ensuring that regional cooperation is anchored in clear, accountable, and people-centred policies.
The UPDF leadership commended the Speakers for prioritising regional engagements despite demanding schedules in their respective national assemblies. Officials noted that such visits help to demystify military operations and enhance transparency, especially as the defence sector continues to support peace missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and South Sudan.
The meeting also touched on the evolving security dynamics in the region, with the CDF reassuring the Speakers that the UPDF remains committed to defending Uganda while contributing to broader regional peace initiatives. He reiterated that lasting stability requires strong partnerships not only among armed forces, but also among law-making bodies that develop the legal frameworks guiding such cooperation.
Speakers from participating countries acknowledged the UPDF’s longstanding dedication to regional peace and urged continued collaboration through exchanges, joint training, and institutional dialogue. They also called for deeper investment in early-warning systems, coordinated intelligence-sharing, and the strengthening of civil-military relations across the EAC.
The engagement concluded with a tour of selected UPDF facilities, where the Speakers interacted with officers and men, gaining insight into ongoing modernisation efforts, welfare improvements, and operational readiness initiatives.
Overall, the meeting was described by both sides as timely and constructive, reinforcing the shared belief that East Africa’s future stability lies in unity, cooperation, and open communication between states and institutions. The Speakers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that parliaments continue supporting mechanisms that promote regional peace, economic growth, and integration.