Uganda Air Force#Air forces from 1979
{{Short description|Air warfare branch of Uganda's military}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Uganda People's Defence Force Air Forces
| native_name =
| image = Flag of the Uganda People's Defence Air Force.svg
| image_size = 250px
| caption =
| start_date = 1964 (Uganda's first air force)
2005 (current air force)
| country = {{flag|Uganda}}
| allegiance =
| branch =
| type = Air force
| role = Aerial warfare
| command_structure = Uganda People's Defence Force
| garrison = Entebbe
| garrison_label = Headquarters
| nickname =
| patron =
| motto =
| colours =
| colours_label =
| march =
| mascot =
| anniversaries =
| equipment =
| equipment_label =
| battles =
| decorations =
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours_label =
| flying_hours =
| website =
| commander1 = President Yoweri Museveni
| commander1_label = Commander-in-Chief
| commander2 = Colonel Emmanuel Kwihangana
| commander2_label = Chief of Air Staff
| notable_commanders =
| identification_symbol = 80px 80px 80px
| identification_symbol_label = Roundel
| identification_symbol_2 = 80px
| identification_symbol_2_label = Fin flash
| identification_symbol_3 = 165px
| identification_symbol_3_label = Flag
| aircraft_attack = Su-30
| aircraft_bomber =
| aircraft_electronic =
| aircraft_fighter = MiG-21, Su-30
| aircraft_helicopter = Bell 206, Bell UH-1, Mil Mi-17, Bell Model 214ST
| aircraft_helicopter_attack = Mil Mi-24
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo =
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =
| aircraft_helicopter_observation =
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer =
| aircraft_helicopter_utility =
| aircraft_interceptor =
| aircraft_patrol =
| aircraft_recon =
| aircraft_trainer = L-39 Albatross, SF.260
| aircraft_transport = Cessna 208 Caravan
| aircraft_tanker =
| aircraft_general =
}}
Uganda People's Defence Force Air Force, more commonly known as the Ugandan Air Force, is a branch of the Uganda People's Defence Force. Its headquarters are located at Entebbe, Uganda. The current air force commander is Charles Lutaaya, while Emmanuel Kwihangana serves as chief of air staff.{{Cite web|title=Air force gets new Chief of Staff|url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Air-force-Chief-of-staff-Kwiringira-UPDF-Maj-Gen-Birungi/688334-5177532-hc079o/index.html|access-date=2020-08-21|website=Daily Monitor|language=en}}
History
= Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) - Air Force =
The UPDF - Air Force traces its history to 1964, when the country's first air force was established with Israeli aid. This military branch was officially called the "UPDF - Air Force" (UPDF - AF).{{Cite web|title=Ministry Of Defense and Veteran Affairs|url=http://www.defence.go.ug/updf/airforces|access-date=2020-11-21|website=defence.go.ug}} Its first aircraft was of Israeli origin, and its initial pilots trained in Israel. As Uganda's government forged closer links with the Eastern Bloc, the UAAF began to acquire more aircraft as well as support in training from the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and Libya. Israeli aid initially continued as well.{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2015|pp=8–10}} After Idi Amin seized power during the 1971 Ugandan coup d'état, the Uganda Army, including its air force, were further expanded. At the same time, corruption and infighting increased, while foreign aid began to decline, reducing the UAAF's ability to operate.{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2015|pp=10–18}}{{sfn|Brzoska|Pearson|1994|p=203}}
Much of the UAAF was destroyed in Operation Entebbe in 1976, although it was subsequently rebuilt with mainly Libyan and Soviet support.{{cite news| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/4/newsid_2786000/2786967.stm| title = 1976: Israelis rescue Entebbe hostages| website = BBC News| date = 4 July 1976| publisher = British Broadcasting Company| access-date = 2019-08-12}}{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2015|p=22}}{{sfn|Brzoska|Pearson|1994|p=203}}
By late 1978, the UAAF was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Gore{{sfn|Avirgan|Honey|1983|p=50}} and consisted of several dozen MiG-21MFs, MiG-21UMs, MiG-17s,{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2015|p=18}} and MiG-15UTIs. Some of the available aircraft were not combat-worthy, however, and were abandoned during the Uganda–Tanzania War without seeing action.{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2015|p=19}} The lack of spare parts especially affected the Mig-15s and MiG-17s.{{sfn|Seftel|2010|p=227}} The UAAF was split into three fighter squadrons.{{sfn|Seftel|2010|p=227}} However, the force was effectively wiped out during the 1978/1979 air campaign of the Uganda–Tanzania War. Its pilots and technicians scattered, many fleeing abroad;{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2015|p=32, 36}}{{cite news| last = Honey| first = Martha| title = The Fall of Idi Amin: Man on the Run | newspaper = The Washington Post| date = 14 April 1979| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/04/14/the-fall-of-idi-amin-man-on-the-run/902bbfae-2263-4906-a31b-e64767469d47/ |access-date=2019-11-05}} its aircraft were lost or taken by the Tanzanians.{{sfn|Avirgan|Honey|1983|p=123}}{{sfn|Cooper|2004|p=142}}
= Air forces from 1979 =
After Idi Amin’s overthrow and the UAAF's destruction during the Uganda-Tanzania War, subsequent Ugandan governments made repeated attempts to organize a new air force. The new national military, generally known as Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA), acquired a few helicopters and organized a small air wing. A further restoration remained impossible due to lack of funding as well as renewed internal conflict, as the country plunged into a civil war known as Ugandan Bush War.{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2015|p=42}}
The Bush War was won by the rebel National Resistance Movement (NRM) in 1986, resulting in the organization of yet another national military. The NRM government began rebuilding the air force, but the "Ugandan Peoples' Defence Forces - Air Force" remained extremely small until the 1990s, counting just 100 personnel by 1994.{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2015|p=52}}
= Modern air force =
The modern air force, in its current form, was established in 2005 by the Defence forces Act.{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/uganda/air-force.htm|title=UPDF Air Force|website=globalsecurity.org}} It was formed as a statutory institute and service under the umbrella of the Uganda Defence Forces.{{Cite web|title=Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces – The Mighty UPDF|url=https://www.updf.go.ug/|access-date=2020-08-21|language=en-US}}
In 2011, Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, the central bank governor, caused large volatility in the Ugandan shilling when he told the Financial Times that President Museveni had ignored technical advice against using Uganda's small foreign exchange reserves to buy new Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft.{{cite web | url=http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/-/688334/1199984/-/byjv5nz/-/ | title=New Russian-built jet fighters arrive | last1=Butagira | first1=Tabu | last2=Ssebuyira | first2=Martin | work=The Monitor | location=Kampala | date=13 July 2011 | access-date=2017-01-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930131148/http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/-/688334/1199984/-/byjv5nz/-/ | archive-date=2017-09-30 | url-status=dead }}
In June 2022, Uganda took delivery of at least three Mi-28N Havoc attack helicopters from Russia.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-17 |title=Uganda acquiring Mi-28N Havoc attack helicopter from Russia * Military Africa |url=https://www.military.africa/2022/06/uganda-acquiring-mi-28n-havoc-attack-helicopter-from-russia |access-date=2022-06-18 |website=Military Africa |language=en-US}}
Mission of the UPDF Air Force
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:{{Cite web|title=Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces - The Mighty UPDF|url=https://www.updf.go.ug/|access-date=2020-11-21|language=en-US}}
- Participation in regional peace missions
- Provide support to the army
- Building of a standardized, well-trained officer and enlisted corps capable of contributing to the fulfillment of the Uganda Air Force's mission
- To bolster Uganda's strategic defence power by deterring potential threats and establishing superiority in combat
Base and training facilities
The Ugandan Air Force training facility is located at Gulu Air Base, where pilots undergo a five year training program.{{Cite web|date=2019-11-08|title=Ugandan Air Force graduates new pilots|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/ugandan-air-force-graduates-new-pilots/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}} The Gulu airport is controlled by the Air wing of the Uganda People Defence Forces.{{Cite web|date=2019-11-06|title=UPDF passes out 18 combat aircraftc pilots in Gulu|url=https://www.independent.co.ug/updf-passes-out-18-combat-aircraftc-pilots-in-gulu/|access-date=2020-11-21|website=The Independent Uganda|language=en-US}} The Gulu airport is in the Gulu District.
= Air base upgrading =
As of 14 November 2019, the President of Uganda has set up a committee to upgrade the Gulu Airport to international standards; the construction will determine the features and installation of aircraft hangars, access routes, vehicles, water treatment systems, ground markings, parking areas, and control towers, according to the President.{{Cite web|date=21 November 2020|title=Museveni passes jet fighter pilot|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/1510056/museveni-passes-jet-fighter-pilots|access-date=2020-11-21|website=newvision.co.ug}}{{Cite news|date=2019-11-14|title=Uganda to upgrade Gulu airport to meet international standards|language=en-US|work=Construction Review Online|url=https://constructionreviewonline.com/news/uganda/uganda-to-upgrade-gulu-airport-to-meet-international-standards/|access-date=2020-11-21}}
In late March 2020, an upgrade of six training aircraft was completed at the Gulu Air Base by Ukrainian owned defense conglomerate UkrOboronProm (UOP), who had provided approximately 14 personnel including pilots, engineers, and designers. These upgrades began in 2018. The upgraded aircraft were eight Aero L-39 Albatros; a training and light attack jet. Upgrades included overhauling their AI-25TL Turbofan engines, bringing them to AI-25TLSh Standards, modernizing radio and navigation equipment, and installing solid-state BUR-4-1 flight data recorders. {{Cite web|title=Ukrainians wrap up Ugandan aircraft upgrade|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukrainians-wrap-up-ugandan-aircraft-upgrade|access-date=2020-11-21|website=Janes.com|language=en}}
During the "pass out" ceremony of the 2020 pilot graduation held at Gulu Airport, the President of Uganda had pledged to begin the construction of 30,000 housing units countrywide to solve the UPDF housing shortage in the country.
Service contract
In March 2022, the UPDF Air Force signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Government of India, for the latter to maintain and service Uganda's Russian-made multirole Su-30MK2 fighter jets. The work will be carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), based in Bengaluru, India. HAL is fully owned by the Indian government. The agreement was signed at the Embassy of India to Uganda, in Uganda's capital city, Kampala.{{Cite web|url=http://nilepost.co.ug/2022/03/04/india-signs-deal-to-maintain-ugandas-fighter-jets/ |title=India signs deal to maintain Uganda's fighter jets | work=Nile Post Uganda |date=4 March 2022 | first=Kenneth | last=Kazibwe |access-date=4 March 2022 | location=Kampala, Uganda}}
Other affiliation
The UPDF - AF commended the Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act signed by President Barack Obama, leading to cooperation between the Ugandan People Defence Force, Ugandan Peoples' Defence Forces - Air Force, and Air Forces Africa for establishing good partnerships and military engagement.{{Cite web|title=17th Air Force engages with Ugandan Air Force leaders|url=https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/254621/17th-air-force-engages-with-ugandan-air-force-leaders/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=U.S. Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa|date=2 June 2010 |language=en-US}} In 2018 the UPDAF promoted 107 soldiers to commissioned and higher ranks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/1478951/100-air-force-soldiers-promoted|access-date=2020-08-21|website=newvision.co.ug|title=100 air force soldiers promoted}}
Air force commanders
= Uganda Army Air Force =
- Wilson Toko (died 1973){{cite web |last = Muhumuza |first = Rodney |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/Amin/859112-860922-qex8l1z/index.html |title=What I Know: Former Air Force Commander Tells His Life Under Amin |newspaper=Daily Monitor |date=15 July 2007 |access-date=2020-03-01 }}
- Smuts Guweddeko (1973–1974)
- Zeddy Maruru (1974–1975)
- Idi Amin (1975 – ?)
- Godwin Sule (acting, {{circa}} 1976){{cite news| title = Magembe book tells how Amin was declared 'Life President of Uganda'| newspaper = The Observer| date = 10 April 2021| url = https://observer.ug/lifestyle/69226-magembe-book-tells-how-amin-was-declared-life-president-of-uganda| access-date = 19 April 2021}}
- Christopher Gore (1978{{cite news| title = Lt Col Gore appointed air force base commandant| journal = Translations on Sub-Saharan Africa| issue = 1863| publisher = United States Joint Publications Research Service|year = 1977| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=plZEAQAAIAAJ}} – 1979){{sfn|Avirgan|Honey|1983|p=50}}
- Andrew Mukooza (1979){{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2015|p=36}}
= UNLA air wing =
- Peter Oringi (1982 – ?){{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2015|p=42}}
= UPDF Air Force =
- Samuel Turyagyenda (2013{{cite web |url=http://observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25566:-new-army-big-wigs-who-are-they|title=New Army Big Wigs: Who Are They?|newspaper=The Observer (Uganda)|access-date=2015-03-10 |date=29 May 2013 |first=Sulaiman|last=Kakaire}} – 2017{{cite web| url=http://tuckmagazine.com/2017/01/11/president-museveni-reshuffles-top-military-posts-uganda-promoting-son-senior-advisor/ | title=President Museveni reshuffles top military posts in Uganda, promoting Son to Senior Advisor |access-date=2017-12-04 | date=11 January 2017 | first=Gloria |last=Nakiyimba |work=Tuck Magazine}})
- Charles Lutaaya (2017 – present)
Inventory
= Current inventory =
Ranks
{{main|Military ranks of Uganda}}
=Commissioned officer ranks=
The rank insignia of commissioned officers.
| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}} {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/Uganda}} |
=Other ranks=
The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.
| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/Blank}} {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Uganda}} |
References
= Citations =
{{reflist}}
= Works cited =
{{Commons category}}
{{refbegin}}
- {{cite book| last1 = Avirgan| first1 = Tony| last2 = Honey| first2 = Martha| title = War in Uganda: The Legacy of Idi Amin| location= Dar es Salaam|publisher = Tanzania Publishing House| date = 1983| isbn = 978-9976-1-0056-3}}
- {{cite book| last1 = Brzoska| first1 = Michael| last2 = Pearson| first2 = Frederic S.| title = Arms and Warfare: Escalation, De-escalation, and Negotiation| publisher = University of South Carolina Press| date = 1994| location = Columbia, South Carolina| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=to7hS3Wlro4C| isbn = 9780872499829}}
- {{cite book| last = Cooper| first = Tom| title = African MiGs : MiGs and Sukhois in Service in Sub Saharan Africa| publisher = SHI Publications| date = 2004| location = Wien| isbn = 978-3-200-00088-9}}
- {{cite book |last1 = Cooper |first1 = Tom |last2 = Fontanellaz |first2 = Adrien |title= Wars and Insurgencies of Uganda 1971–1994 |date= 2015 |publisher= Helion & Company Limited |location= Solihull |isbn= 978-1-910294-55-0}}
- {{cite book| editor-last = Seftel| editor-first = Adam| title = Uganda: The Bloodstained Pearl of Africa and Its Struggle for Peace. From the Pages of Drum| publisher = Fountain Publishers| date = 2010| orig-year=1st pub. 1994| location = Kampala| isbn = 978-9970-02-036-2}}
{{refend}}
{{Air forces}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2005 establishments in Uganda
Category:Military units and formations established in 1964