AFRIDEX Spotlight

Uganda is strengthening its position as one of East Africa's leading military powers through sustained investment in defence capability, personnel and operational readiness. Increased defence spending reflects the country's commitment to modernising the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) while enhancing national security and supporting regional stability.

For the 2026/27 financial year, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has been allocated UGX 4.6 trillion (approximately US$1.3 billion) as part of Uganda's UGX 84.39 trillion national budget. This forms part of a wider UGX 27.7 trillion defence investment programme planned between 2025 and 2030, demonstrating a long-term commitment to strengthening military capability.

Strategic Overview

Situated at the heart of East Africa, Uganda occupies a strategically important position bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. While landlocked, the country plays a significant role in regional security through border protection, counter-insurgency operations and peace support missions.

Uganda's defence strategy is shaped by ongoing security challenges, including the threat posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) operating in eastern DRC, instability in neighbouring South Sudan and the need to safeguard its extensive borders.

As a member of the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Uganda actively participates in regional security initiatives and continues joint operations with the DRC against extremist groups. The country also remains an important contributor to African peace support missions, reinforcing its position as a key security partner within the region.

Uganda's strategic location and active regional role continue to shape defence policy, driving investment in military capability, operational readiness and cross-border cooperation.

Defence Investment

Uganda's long-term defence spending programme is designed to strengthen the operational capability of the UPDF while responding to an increasingly complex regional security environment.

For the 2026/27 financial year, defence spending increased to UGX 4.6 trillion, with medium-term budget projections indicating continued growth over the coming years. The government's wider investment framework places emphasis on:

• Modernising military equipment and introducing advanced defence technologies.
• Improving personnel welfare through enhanced salaries, healthcare, accommodation, pensions and training.
• Strengthening operational readiness to support border security, counter-insurgency operations and regional peace support missions.

The investment programme also reflects anticipated growth in personnel numbers, evolving security requirements and the increasing resources required to maintain a modern, professional armed force.

Military Forces

The Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) operates under the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, with the President serving as Commander-in-Chief. The force comprises the Land Forces, Uganda People's Defence Air Force (UPDAF) and the Special Forces Command (SFC).

Uganda maintains an active military of approximately 45,000 personnel, supported by a 10,000-strong reserve force.

Land Forces

The Land Forces form the core of Uganda's military capability and are equipped for conventional and asymmetric operations.

Its inventory includes T-90S, T-72 and T-55 main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, BTR-60 and BTR-80 armoured personnel carriers, together with Casspir and Mamba mine-resistant protected vehicles. Fire support is provided by BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers and 122mm and 130mm towed artillery systems.

Air Force

The Uganda People's Defence Air Force (UPDAF) provides air defence, transport and close air support for land operations.

Its combat fleet includes Su-30MK2 multirole fighters, supported by Mi-24/35 and Mi-28 attack helicopters, Mi-17 transport helicopters, Cessna 208 Caravan utility aircraft and L-39 Albatros trainer jets. The Air Force continues to support counter-insurgency operations, border security and regional peace support missions while expanding its transport and operational capabilities.

Special Forces Command

The Special Forces Command (SFC) is the UPDF's elite formation, responsible for protecting the presidency, strategic national infrastructure and conducting specialised counter-terrorism operations. Equipped with advanced communications, surveillance systems and specialist weaponry, the SFC also protects Uganda's developing energy infrastructure and other critical national assets.

Defence Industry

Uganda continues to strengthen its domestic defence industrial capability through the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the UPDF.

Its subsidiary, Luwero Industries, manufactures and refurbishes small arms, ammunition and light armoured vehicles, while locally assembled protected mobility platforms support the country's drive towards greater self-reliance. Uganda has also invested in domestic maintenance capability for its helicopter fleet, strengthening long-term equipment sustainment and reducing dependence on overseas support.

Modernisation Priorities

Uganda's defence modernisation programme is increasingly focused on enhancing technology and operational effectiveness.

Current capability development priorities include:

• Air defence systems
• Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)
• Electronic warfare
• Unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
• Secure communications
• Cyber defence
• Border surveillance technologies

Alongside investment in new capabilities, Uganda is improving personnel welfare, expanding training programmes and strengthening the professionalism of its armed forces to meet future operational demands.

Market Outlook

Uganda's increased defence spending and long-term investment programme demonstrate a sustained commitment to strengthening the operational capability of the UPDF. While no major international defence acquisition contracts have been publicly announced during 2026, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs continues to issue procurement notices, supplier prequalification opportunities and framework tenders covering defence supplies, infrastructure and support services.

As implementation of the long-term investment programme progresses, procurement activity is expected to support capability development, infrastructure, force sustainment, logistics, maintenance and technology upgrades, although details of future acquisition programmes have not yet been publicly disclosed.

AFRIDEX Insight

Uganda remains one of East Africa's most strategically important defence markets. Backed by rising defence expenditure and a long-term capability development programme, the country is expected to continue investing in military infrastructure, operational readiness and force modernisation. As future procurement requirements emerge, opportunities are likely to expand across aerospace support, land systems, communications, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, logistics, maintenance, training and defence infrastructure.