Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF)
Uganda
Air Force
Uganda
Army
Special
Forces
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Equipment
Uganda People's Defence Force Air Forces
Ugandan People's Defence Force Air Force, more commonly known as Ugandan Air Force, is the branch of the Uganda People's Defence Force that deals with the air warfare. It headquarters is located at Entebbe, Uganda. The modern air force, in its current form, was established in 2005 by the Defence forces Act, section (3) sub- section (2) with mission of the country's comprehensive Defence policy mainly in the threat analysis despite being a landlocked country. It was formed as a statutory institute and service in the arms of the Uganda Defence Forces.
The UPDF Air Force's mission is to defend the country's air space, and provide support to the army's operations. Other missions include:
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Participation in regional peace missions
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Provision of support to the army
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Building of a standard well-trained officer and enlisted corps capable of adequately contributing to the fulfillment of the Uganda Air Force's mission
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To remain Uganda's strategic defence power by deterring potential threats and establishing superiority in combat.
The Ugandan Air Force has their training facilities located at Gulu Air Base including the equipment and additional trainer aircraft all located at Gulu, it also has it training center located there established since 2011, a five-year training programs. The Gulu airport is controlled by the Air wing of the Uganda People Defence Forces. The Gulu airport is at Gulu District.
Founded 1964 (Uganda's first air force)
2005 (current air force)
Size 1200 personnel
Equipment
UPDF Land Force
The organisation of the land forces was reported in 2015 to be as follows:
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five division headquarters
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one armoured brigade
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one motorised infantry brigade
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one tank battalion
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Presidential Guard brigade
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one engineer brigade
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one commando battalion
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5 infantry divisions (total: 16 infantry brigades)
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one artillery brigade
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two air defence battalions
The divisions are:
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First Division: Kakiri, Wakiso District.
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Second Division: Makenke Barracks, Mbarara (Brigadier Peter Elewelu). It is composed of three brigades and four auxiliary battalions, according to the website of the Ministry of Defence Uganda. This division, according to afdevinfo.com, includes the divisional headquarters at Mbarara; the 13th, 17th, 69th, 73rd, and 77th battalions; the Rwenzori Mountain Alpine Brigade; possibly another Alpine brigade; and the 3rd Tank Battalion. The division has been heavily involved with border operations since the Congo Civil War began in the 1990s. Brigadier Peter Elwelu took command in a ceremony on 17 July 2013. He had been appointed in June 2013.
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Third Division: Moroto (Brigadier Dick Olum). Before 2013, the Third Division headquarters was reported to be at Mbale.
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Fourth Division: Gulu District (Brigadier Kayanja Muhanga, until December 2016 when he took command of the Ugandan contingent with AMISOM in Somalia). James Kazini served with this division in 1996–99.
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Fifth Division: Lira (Brigadier Sam Kavuma). Created in August 2002. As of 2013, the division appears to include the 401 Brigade.
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Field Artillery Division: Masindi (Brigadier Sam Okiding, who was Ugandan Contingent Commander with AMISOM, 2015–16)[citation needed]
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Air Defence Division: Nakasongala (Brigadier Garvas Mugyenyi since May 2013)
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Multiple Rocket Launcher
Equipment
Special Forces Command (SFC)
The Special Forces Command (SFC) is a specialized component of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) tasked with carrying out specialized missions or operations at a moment’s notice.
The SFC while conducting its operations coordinates closely with the two main arms or services of the UPDF, that is, the Land Forces and the Air Forces.
The SFC main headquarters are found in Entebbe, Wakiso District, but also has sub-units stationed in different parts of the country. SFC units working alongside the regular UPDF are also active in theatres of operations, such as South-Sudan and the Peace Keeping Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Mission
Our mission is ‘To develop and operate a powerful and versatile special operations force that is situated within the unique Ugandan way of war and is responsive to the requirements of the UPDF and the nation’.
Special Forces Creed
I am a Ugandan Special Forces Soldier, Prepared to do all that my country requires of me. As a patriot, I will always advocate, teach and promote revolutionary methods of work at whatever level of responsibility. I accept that there is no substitute for loyalty and professionalism within Special Forces. I will maintain alertness and strength in order to be able to fight for Ugandan Independence and Democracy. I will ensure that all the equipment under my charge is maintained well and is combat ready. In battle, I shall never surrender and will always strive never to let my comrades down. I shall resist any tendency that may injure the cohesion of Special Forces.
Ref: specialforcescommand.go.ug
The Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), previously known as the National Resistance Army, is the armed forces of Uganda. From 2007 to 2011, the International Institute for Strategic Studies estimated the UPDF had a total strength of 40,000–45,000 and consisted of land forces and an air wing. Recruitment to the forces is done annually.
Functions of the UPDF
1. To preserve and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda.
2. To cooperate with the civilian authority in emergency situations and in cases of natural disasters.
3. To foster harmony and understanding between the defence forces and civilians.
4. AND LASTLY, To engage in productive activities for the development of Uganda.
Founded 1962
Current form 1995
Military age 18 years of age
Active personnel 46,800 (2014)
BudgetUSD: 933.6 million (2015)
