UPDF, Chinese Firm to Set up UAV Workshop in Uganda

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempjjja together with the Chinese Executive President of NORINCO (North Industries Corporation) Yang Xiaoqing commissioned a joint research and innovation centre, ANFO production line for Kyoga Dynamics and groundbroke a comprehensive unmanned aerial vehicle workshop in Nakasongola. 

This follows the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and NORINCO. Ssempijja thanked the delegation from Norinco for their willingness to share knowledge in building the defence capacity of Uganda. He said that research and innovation are key to the development of Uganda’s defence capacity.

The Minister commended the partnership between the Ministry of Defence/UPDF and Norinco over the years, having been key in the establishment of Kyoga Dynamics, a Joint Venture between National Enterprise Corporation and Norinco

Yang Xiaoqing in his remarks said that these events marked a milestone in the history of the cooperation between Uganda and Norinco. “In six months, a workshop dedicated to the final assembly, testing, maintenance and training of UAVs will rise up here and will be a turning point for Uganda’s take-off of UAV industry, a new important field for defence modernization,” Yang said.

He added that this cooperation will effectively enhance Uganda’s military capabilities, create social values, drive economic development and elevate Uganda’s International influence.

The Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Wilson Mbadi in his remarks said that the partnership with Norinco in the expansion of the facilities is a demonstration of the ever-growing relationship between the Republic of Uganda and the Peoples Republic of China. “As two cooperative sides, we have made major breakthroughs in the theme of developing and modernizing our forces to create internal effectiveness and efficiency that has well been tested internally and in the region,” Gen Mbadi said.

He commended Norinco for their commitment and speed towards developing and setting up the facilities which will go a long way in creating capacity for the UPDF.

The function was attended by the Commander Air Force Lt Gen Charles Okidi, NEC Managing Director Lt Gen James Mugira, General Manager of Luwero Industries Ltd Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi, Undersecretary Logistics Francis Kahiriita, among others.