Sunday 6 August 2023

Guardians Of The Pearl: Uganda’s Inventory Of AFVs

By Stijn Mitzer and Joost Oliemans

Over the past decade, Uganda has quietly embarked on a significant modernisation drive. This ambitious effort has seen the acquisition of Su-30MK2 multi-role fighter aircraft, Mi-28N attack helicopters and T-90S MBTs from Russia. Additionally, the country has invested in advanced weapons systems from Israel, such as 155mm ATMOS SPGs, 120mm SPEAR Mk.2 and CARDOM SPMs, as well as Hermes 900 UAVs. To further supplement its ground forces, Uganda has also obtained Type-85-IIM MBTs and VN2C APCs from China and 240mm 'M-1991 MRLs from North Korea.

Uganda's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities goes beyond the acquisition of AFVs; it also focuses on establishing essential infrastructure for their maintenance and modernisation. This dedication is evident through the establishment of an armour repair workshop and the construction of a factory specialising in assembling a diverse array of South African and Emirati armoured vehicle designs. This arguably signifies Uganda's intent to not only meet its own defence requirements but also explore commercial opportunities on the African defence market.

In its pursuit of further enhancing its armoured capabilities, Uganda has taken significant strides in establishing an armoured warfare training school. Notably, the training is conducted by Russian instructors. [1] By investing in both equipment, maintenance and training, Uganda seeks to bolster its defense capabilities and develop a proficient armoured force capable of handling diverse operational challenges that can expected in this part of Africa.

This list attempts to list all AFV types currently in service with the Uganda People's Defence Force and Police Force. Radars, trucks and jeeps are not included in the list.

(Click on the vehicle or equipment type to get a picture of them)

Tanks

T-54
T-55A
T-55M Two configurations: (2)
T-55(A)MV
T-55AM2
T-55A Locally Overhauled To T-55AMV Standard
T-72A With Kontakt-1 ERA
T-72B
T-90S
Type-85-IIM

Infantry Fighting Vehicles

BMP-2 Obr. 1980 (Can be fitted with Israeli BARMOR slat armour)
BMP-2 Obr. 1984 (Can be fitted with Israeli BARMOR slat armour)

Armoured Personnel Carriers

VN2C

Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles

Buffel
Mamba (Assembled in Uganda as 'Nyoka')
Gila
Nyati (Assembled in Uganda as 'Chui')
Hızır
CS/VP3 'Bigfoot' (In service with the Police)
Unknown Chinese MRAP Made By Poly Technologies (In service with the Police Force)