Turkey to train Ugandan armed forces as new agreements are in pipeline

Turkey will soon start training Uganda armed forces as both countries are about to sign six new cooperation agreements, covering several domains including military, justice and education.

Turkish ambassador to Kampala Kerem Alp who made the announcement in an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency said once the agreements are signed, Turkey would begin training Ugandan police officers and soldiers.

According to the Turkish diplomat, the agreements will be signed by the end of the year.

The education cooperation agreement will expand Turkey’s training of young Ugandans through scholarships programs, training at home and construction of schools.

Turkey will also offer doctoral and post-doctoral scholarships for Ugandan students who want to study in Turkey, the ambassador said, recalling that Turkey currently offers scholarships to Ugandan undergraduates to study in Turkish universities and that some 300 have graduated from Turkish Universities since the inception of the scholarship program.

Turkey’s state-run aid agency, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), has also been providing vocational training for hundreds of Ugandans to help them start their own businesses to lower unemployment in the landlocked East African nation, the agency noted.

The agreement in the judicial sector will strengthen the legal framework between the two countries. Both countries will cooperate in law enforcement and criminals’ extradition, the ambassador said.