Military Attache of the Embassy Colonel İsmail Demirtaş’s Speech on the
occasion of the 30^th of August Victory and Armed Forces Day

Hon. Mr. Minister of State forDefence and Veteran Affairs,

Hon. Ms. Minister of State for Defence and VeteranAffairs,

Excellencies Ambassador, Generals,

Dear Fellow Defence Attaches,

DearGuest Military Personnel, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to say that we are deeply honored and grateful that you have joined us at such an important celebration for the Republic of Türkiye. Welcome!

Today, we are proudlycelebrating the 100th (centennial) anniversary of the August 30 Victory Day andTurkish Armed Forces Day which is a milestone of our history.

At the end of the First WorldWar, almost all the lands of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, which survived for 600years, were invaded by the armies of the enemies. On May 19, 1919, under theleadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who is the founder of Republic of Türkiye,Turkish Nation initiated the War of Independence against the invading armiesand fought for its very existence. August 30th, 1922 is the date which marksthe victorious end of this Independence War that lasted more than three years.Since then, the day August 30th has been considered a new start for the Turkishnation.

The victory that our gloriousnation and heroic army under then commander-in chief Mustafa Kemal Atatürk wonover strong armies was written in gold letters in history. This victory isindeed a compendium of our glorious history. The Turkish nation was reborn fromits ashes with this victory and showed the whole world its will to liveindependently forever in the lands of our ancestors.

Since the establishment of theRepublic, The Republic of Türkiye has been constantly rising as a modern,prosperous and powerful state, looking to the future with hope. With itsdeveloping defence industry, strong economy and heroic army, Türkiye sets anexample for other countries in its region.

Today, Turkish Armed Forces,fighting against terrorist organizations such as FETO, PKK/PYD-YPG and DAESH athome and across borders, is one of the most experienced armies in the fightagainst terrorism. It is also one of the strongest armies of NATO, of which webecame a member in 1952. Turkish Armed Forces continues its duties inAzerbaijan, Libya, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Somalia and manyother geographies within the scope of NATO, UN, EU and OSCE missions andbilateral relations. It aims securing peace in our region and the world.

With the aim to secure peaceand security in the world, all of our countries’ Armed Forces are on duty inmany countries all over the world. We hope that these efforts will makesignificant contributions to peace, freedom, stability and security in theworld. In addition, there is no doubt that as military and civilianrepresentatives of our respected countries, we will make contribution to thepeace by making nice and long-lasting friendships.

Before I end my speech, I commemorate once again withmercy and gratitude, especially the founder of our Republic, Ghazi MustafaKemal Atatürk and his heroic comrades-in-arms and all our martyrs whosacrificed their lives for the homeland, nation, flag and the Republic. I alsoexpress our respect and gratitude to our hero veterans.

H.E. Ambassador’s Speech on
the occasion of the 30^th of August Victory and Armed Forces Day

Honorable Minister of State for Defense and Veteran Affairs, Dear citizens, Distinguished guests,

You have listened to previous speakers who explainedthe importance ofthe 100^th Anniversary of the 30^th ofAugust Victory and Armed Forces Day.Rather than giving yet another speech, let me simplyshare with you the message ofH.E.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda addressed to H.E.Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye on this particularoccasion:

“His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,

On the occasion of celebrations marking the anniversary of the Victory Day (Turkish Armed Forces Day) of the Republic of Turkey on 30^th August 2022, the people of Uganda, the Government and Myself convey to you, the Government and the Turkish people our sincere and warmest congratulations.

I am convinced that the excellent relationship and cooperation that exist between the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Turkey will be further developed for the benefit of our two peoples, as well as for peace, stability and international cooperation. Therefore, I reaffirm my unwavering support and commitment to our bilateral relations.

I wish Your Excellency good health, personal well-being and great success in your noble endeavors. I further wish the friendly people of Türkiye, continued peace and prosperity.

Signed: Yoweri KagutaMuseveni, President of the Republic of Uganda”

It is not usual for the President of Uganda, HE Museveni, to convey a congratulatory message on the occasion of the August 30 Victory Day. This year's celebration is not a usual anniversary either. In fact, this is the 100th anniversary of the victory of 1922, when our national struggle against those who invaded our country was crowned. Therefore, we are particularly pleased that HE Museveni, with his vast knowledge of and curiosity for history of civilization, remembered and gave special emphasis to this particular anniversary.

It is also noteworthy that in his message, HE President Museveni emphasized the word "peace" twice. This is a clear reference to the principle of "Peace at Home, Peace in the World", which is the basis of Turkish foreign policy.

We therefore express our sincere appreciation and thanks to His Excellency for this kind and meaningful gesture, through our Guest of Honor, Hon. Minister of State for Defense and Veteran Affairs.

Thank you.

Hon. Minister of State for Defence
and Veteran Affairs Hajjat Huda Oleru Abason’s Speech on the occasion of the 30^th
of August Victory and Armed Forces Day

• Your Excellencies the Ambassadors present
• Our host, the Ambassador of Turkiye in Kampala
• Defence Attache’s and Advisors accredited to Uganda
• Senior UPDF Officers
• Other invited guests,
• Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen.

On behalf of Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and on behalf of the people of Uganda, allow me to congratulate the Turkish people and the Armed Forces at the occasion to mark 100 years of the victory known as VICTORY AND TURKISH ARMED FORCES DAY.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye in Kampala, Mr. Kerem Alp for inviting us to celebrate with you this historical day of 30^th August 1922 when the Republic of Turkey liberated the from Ottoman Empire from the invaders.

It is indeed a great day to celebrate but also to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives to obtain the freedom and the stability you all are enjoying today.

Uganda’s bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Turkiye stretches to areas of Defence and Security, Trade exchange, Agriculture, value addition, environment, construction, ICT, Education & Training.

In areas of Defence and security, the two countries have pledged to cooperate in the following:

1. Defence industrial production.
2. Military training and Education.
3. Logistical Support.
4. Participation exercises/trainings and join exercises as actual/observer.
5. Military medicine and health services.
6. Communications, electronics, information systems and cyber defence.
7. Operations other than war, such as Peacekeeping, Humanitarian Aid and Counter Piracy operations.
8. Exchange of information on military legal systems.

I would therefore wish in near future the cooperation to be extended to include the management of veteran affairs.

Our trade relations with Turkiye are flourishing, in 2021 alone. Turkish exports to Uganda increased by 28% and Uganda’s exports to Turkey increased by 418% and this trend is steadily increasing which we are thankful for and we pledge to sustain our good standing relations with Turkey.

I am aware that you invited UPDF Senior Officers to celebrate with you this important milestone. Most of them who are not able to attend have gone to send off one of our gallant militant Lt. Gen Elly Tumwine who will be laid to rest today Tuesday 30^th August 2022, However, on behalf of Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the entire UPDF fraternity wish the people of Turkey a wonderful celebration of “Victory and Armed Forces Day”.

Uganda and Turkey share common stance on many international issues especially, we both oppose terrorism and other areas of mutual interest. It is our hope that our relationship is maintained and strengthened.

I thank you and wish you a wonderful celebration.