Uganda Opens First Public Armoured Vehicle Showroom To Advance Local Defence Industry
NEC-Streit (U) Limited, a joint venture between Uganda’s National Enterprise Corporation (NEC)—the commercial arm of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF)—and UAE – based Streit Group, has officially opened an armoured vehicle showroom in Abayita Ababiri, along Entebbe Road.
The event was presided over by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Oleru Huda Abason, who commended the development as a reflection of Uganda’s growing capacity in defence manufacturing and technological innovation. “The showroom will serve as a hub for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and growth,” said Hon. Huda, describing the launch as a significant milestone in Uganda’s pursuit of national safety and security.
She stressed the vital role of armoured vehicles in protecting personnel operating in high-risk environments, such as law enforcement, emergency services, and humanitarian operations.
Hon. Huda expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued support, stating, “This is a testament to government’s efforts to promote industrial partnerships that drive innovation and economic growth.” She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in the defence sector.
Lt Gen James Mugira, Managing Director of NEC, extended appreciation to the Streit Group and all other stakeholders for their unwavering support. He recalled the joint venture agreement signed on 17 July 2019, under which Streit Group fully funded the establishment of an armoured vehicle manufacturing facility in Uganda, including design, construction, equipment provision, and technology transfer through specialised training.
He confirmed that the Nakasongola-based plant is now fully operational, producing armoured vehicles for both security and civilian use.
Streit Group Chairman Mr Guerman Goutorov encouraged the public to visit the new showroom to learn more about the vehicles on offer. Emphasising the need to protect Uganda’s development progress, he said, “If the country is undergoing massive development, it needs to be protected together with its people.”
Mr Goutorov also revealed that over 100 Ugandans have been trained at the Nakasongola facility and announced ongoing developments in drone manufacturing.
The Nakasongola factory, commissioned by President Museveni on 27 July 2022, specialises in the production of armoured vehicles tailored to both military and civilian applications.
The launch was attended by high-ranking officials, including Lt Gen Charles Okidi, Commander of the Air Force; Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff; Lt Gen (Rtd) James Nakibus Lakara, General Manager of Uganda Air Cargo Corporation; representatives from the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service; prominent businessman Mr Sudhir Ruparelia; and officials from the Streit Group, government, and the UPDF.
