To bolster its defence industry, Uganda has partnered with China’s North Industries Corporation (Norinco) to embark on a joint venture that promises to revolutionize the country’s military capabilities. This collaboration is set to establish a comprehensive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) workshop in Nakasongola, marking a new era in Uganda’s defence modernization efforts.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the UAV workshop was conducted by Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempjjja, and Norinco’s Executive President, Yang Xiaoqing. This event not only signifies the commencement of the UAV project but also the inauguration of a Joint Research and Innovation Centre and an ANFO explosives production line for Kyoga Dynamics, a joint venture between Uganda’s National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and China Wanbao Engineering Company, a subsidiary of Norinco.
Minister Ssempjjja expressed gratitude towards Norinco for their readiness to share expertise, emphasizing that research and innovation are pivotal for enhancing Uganda’s defence capabilities. Xiaoqing highlighted the significance of the commissioning and groundbreaking events, stating that within six months, the workshop dedicated to UAV assembly, testing, maintenance, and training will be operational, signifying a turning point for Uganda’s UAV industry and defence modernization.
The Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Wilson Mbadi, lauded the partnership with Norinco as a testament to the growing ties between Uganda and China. He praised the advancements made in developing and modernizing the forces, which have proven effective both domestically and regionally.
Uganda’s strides in developing its local defence industry are noteworthy. In August 2018, the country launched an Armoured Vehicle Manufacturing and Assembly Facility in Maga Maga, producing the Mamba-based Nyoka armoured personnel carrier in collaboration with South Africa’s Twiga Services and Logistics. The UPDF also commissioned the Chui (Leopard) infantry fighting vehicle in 2021, manufactured at the same facility.
Further expanding its defence capabilities, Uganda, in partnership with the UAE-based Streit Group, opened a new armoured vehicle factory in Nakosongola in July 2022. The NEC-Streit Uganda Ltd aims to cater to the military, police, VIPs, and regional demands through technology transfer and security solutions.
On the aviation front, Uganda commissioned a helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in January 2022, with the first locally overhauled Mi-24 helicopter unveiled in April the following year. This facility is a joint venture between the NEC and Pro-Heli International, a Russian company specializing in the overhaul of Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters.
The state-owned NEC, established in 1989, serves as the commercial arm of the UPDF, engaging in various sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, services, and defence industry projects. Its commercial ventures are executed through subsidiaries and joint ventures like Kyoga Dynamics, NEC-Streit, and Pro-Heli, showcasing Uganda’s commitment to self-reliance and innovation in its defence sector.
Uganda has been acquiring a number of unmanned systems lately to enhance its military capacity. In 2023, Uganda acquired STM Togan surveillance and reconnaissance drone from Turkey.
In March 2022, the Ugandan military began fielding at least two dozen Elbit Systems Hermes 900 Kochav (Star) medium-altitude long-endurance surveillance drones. The Hermes 900 drone was seen in a video shared on 24 February by Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the commander of Uganda’s land forces and the president’s son.
Also, in May 2020, AAI Corp., a subsidiary of Textron Systems, Hunt Valley, Maryland, wasawarded a contract to supply the Aerosonde Mk4.7 unmanned aerial system to and Uganda.