Uganda could borrow more than $740 million from Russia to purchase military equipment 31007154

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Defence & Security News - Uganda
 
Uganda could borrow more than $740 million from Russia to purchase military equipment
According to local newspaper, Ugandan Government is seeking Parliament’s approval to borrow €667 million ($740.5M) from Russia to purchase what it has identified as classified equipment for further strengthening of the military and security infrastructure. Uganda is a part of the African Union Mission to Somali (AMISOM) since 2007 with more than 6,000 troops.
     

Ugandan T-55 Main Battle Tank fitted with ERA Reactive Armour involved in AMISOM operation. Photo: AMISOM
     

Asked why government is seeking such a huge loan for military equipment when the country has so many pressing unfunded priorities, the Ugandan Finance minister, David Bahati said to local newspaper: “All expenditures aimed at supporting our national security are necessary. The details of what will be purchased are classified.”

The Finance minister Matia Kasaija said: “Extract the statements I made in my budget speech on security sector. In my budget speech I clearly indicated that national security and defence would the number one priority in the 2015/16 financial year.”

Since 2009, Russia is the main amrs supplier of Uganda. In 2009, Uganda purchased from Russia 23 second-hand T-55 main battle tank. In 2010, 1000 Kornet (AT-14) anti-tank guided missiles and 6 Su-30MK Flanker with guided munitions were acquired. 44 T-90S MBT ant 32 BTR-80A were received in 2011. Between 2009 and 2012, Uganda also acquired around 50 armoured vehicles from South Africa: 42 second-hand Casspir, 6 Gila and 1 Springbuck. Uganda could be the recent unknown customer DCD Protected Mobility announced for Springbuck.