By Spy Uganda
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempiijja and the Hon Minister of Defence of the United Republic of Tanzania Hon Dr Stergomena L. Tax have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Security for the crude oil pipeline.
The function was at Protea Skyz Hotel, Kampala.
Hon Bamulangaki in his remarks at the function said the need to conclude the framework for Defence and security cooperation between the two sister countries was one of the core issues that President Suluhu Hassan and President Museveni have had on the agenda at the forefront of cementing the relationship between the two countries.
”I am therefore happy to note that today we have moved on some of the issues including reviewing the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) on Defence and Security cooperation as well as operationalizing the intergovernmental security committee for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project,” he said.
He added that the undertakings will certainly facilitate their respective institutions to share information and intelligence as well as work jointly to confront threats such as terrorism, arms and drug trafficking, trafficking of game trophies, cyber security, illegal migration as well as sabotage of critical infrastructure including the crude oil pipeline and also addressing other emerging threats such as pandemics.
The Minister commended the working teams for the good work done so far in reviewing and making necessary adjustments to the MOU and the EACOP agreement. “I have no doubt that a lot of ground has been covered in this direction and with the finalization of the legal process, the MOU will be concluded,” he said.
The Honorable Minister Dr Stergomena L.Tax said this meeting provides Uganda and Tanzania with another opportunity to reflect on issues of mutual interest and forge a common understanding and an approach specifically on peace and security. “Terrorism remains a major threat requiring joint and proportionate efforts and measures,” she added.
She appreciated the historic Defence and security cooperation between Uganda and Tanzania that has grown over the years starting from the era of independence movements when the founders of both nations were devoted to freeing their people. He observed that this is the same spirit being geared to another level among other things. “We have remained brothers and sisters,” she said.
She pledged that the United Republic of Tanzania will always honor and implement deliberations from this meeting and expressed her gratitude to the technical working team for the excellent work done in the preparation of the MOU and the EACOP.
The UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi observed that there is a need to rely on one another’s neighbours to find solutions to fight security threats. “Countries should strengthen regional blocks to strengthen borders and create frameworks on Defence and Security,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Forces of Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces Gen Venance Salvatory Mabeyo expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality accorded to them during their stay in Uganda. He said bilateral meetings between Uganda and Tanzania are still significant owing to the founding fathers of the two nations.
He added that cooperation between the two countries is inevitable because there is an increase in terrorism across borders. “We need to be vigilant on ourselves,” he said. While commending the technical committee that has been working on the Memorandum of Understanding for the crude oil pipeline, he said that the East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a strategic project of mutual benefit to both Uganda and Tanzania and its protection lies within the Defence of the security organs of the two countries.
The Tanzanian technical team was led by Gen Elias Athanas and the Ugandan team was led by Brig Gen Asingura Kagoro.
