The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Thursday held a farewell meeting with the outgoing Ambassador of South Korea to Uganda, H.E. Park Sung-Soo, at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe.
The ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Heejo Choi, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Mr. Jaehoon Choi, Senior Researcher at the South Korean embassy in Uganda.
The meeting was also attended by the UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, and Uganda Human Rights Commissioner, Mr. crispin Kaheru.
The meeting, described by General Kainerugaba as a recognition of a friendship that has become much closer, warmer, and more practical, celebrated the growing military and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
General Kainerugaba recalled his previous encounter with the ambassador in September 2023, noting how much had been achieved since.
The CDF expressed gratitude for South Korea’s collaboration with Uganda in several fields including defence, health, infrastructure development, among others.
In particular, General Kainerugaba thanked Ambassador Park for his hands-on role as a “true bridge-builder,” adding that the defence agreements and South Korea’s growing support for Uganda’s security infrastructure were direct results of the ambassador’s work.
In his farewell remarks, Ambassador Park Sung-Soo, who has served in Uganda for four and a half years, thanked President Yoweri Museveni for his leadership and for maintaining peace and stability in Uganda and the wider region.
During the courtesy call, H.E. Park Sung-soo requested that Uganda consider establishing a resident diplomatic mission in Seoul as a reflection of the growing friendship, strategic partnership, and expanding areas of cooperation between the two countries.
The Ambassador also proposed the conclusion of a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) between Uganda and the Republic of Korea. He noted that such an agreement would provide a predictable legal framework for investors, enhance investment security and confidence, protect investments against arbitrary actions, facilitate the resolution of investment disputes, and encourage increased Korean private-sector investment in Uganda, particularly in manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, and value-added industries.
The Ambassador emphasized that these measures would strengthen economic ties, deepen bilateral relations, and unlock greater opportunities for trade, investment, technology transfer, skills development, and job creation in both countries.
Ambassador Park expressed confidence that the strong foundation of military and diplomatic cooperation would continue to grow, even after his departure.
The meeting ended with warm exchanges and a mutual commitment to deepen the partnership between Uganda and South Korea.
