By Mulengera Reporters
The Ministry of Defense has requested Parliament to allocate an additional UGX 381Bn to recapitalize Uganda Air Cargo (UAC) by purchasing new aircraft. The proposal follows challenges, including one aircraft whose engine was destroyed by a bird, another stranded in Sudan’s war zone, and others deemed too old to repair.
Presenting the Internal Affairs and Defence Committee’s report on the 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper, MP Donozio Kahonda (Ruhinda South) explained the need for immediate investment. He noted that while one C130 aircraft was recently repaired, it became inoperable after a bird strike. He added that acquiring new aircraft is a more viable option, as manufacturers indicated some planes were nearing the end of their operational lifespan.
Kahonda stated, “The Ministry engaged Cabinet, and it was resolved that UGX 381Bn be allocated for new aircraft because the older ones are no longer economically viable to repair.”
However, MPs raised concerns over UAC’s management and its strategic value to taxpayers. Maxwell Akora (Maruzi County) questioned whether the Army’s control of UAC hinders its efficiency and ability to collaborate with the private sector. “The Army’s involvement raises issues of professionalism, efficiency, and access to private-sector opportunities. Why not manage it under the Ministry of Transport?” Akora asked.
Dickson Kateshumbwa (Sheema Municipality) proposed merging UAC with Uganda Airlines, citing inefficiencies in maintaining multiple aviation agencies. “We need to rationalize these operations. Why should taxpayers fund both Uganda Airlines and UAC when we could integrate them and reduce redundancy?” he argued.
In response, Kahonda defended UAC, emphasizing its past success as a trusted cargo carrier before its license suspension and aircraft grounding.
Separately, Parliament’s Defence Committee tasked the Ministry of Defence to produce a gazetted list of official UPDF uniforms and symbols. The directive followed Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze’s criticism of UPDF arrests of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters for allegedly wearing military attire.
Nambooze argued, “Many NUP supporters have been arrested and arraigned before the Court Martial for wearing red overalls, yet these are not listed as official UPDF uniforms. Why are civilians being subjected to military trials?”
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Samuel Okiding provided a list of official uniforms but excluded the red overalls commonly worn by NUP supporters, prompting further scrutiny.
The committee chairperson, Wilson Kajwengye, directed UPDF officials to submit a comprehensive, gazetted list of official uniforms. “A gazetted list would eliminate ambiguity and clarify what is exclusively reserved for the Army,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence requested an additional UGX 106.1Bn to improve UPDF uniform quality and design. Rosette Byengoma, the Permanent Secretary, cited the increasing number of soldiers and the need for upgraded uniforms. “We require UGX 200.9Bn for uniforms, but only UGX 94.8Bn has been allocated, leaving a shortfall of UGX 106.1Bn,” she explained.
Byengoma added that the new designs would address durability and quality issues, ensuring soldiers are well-equipped for their role-Parliament Watch. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
