KAMPALA.The skies over Kampala City on Tuesday afternoon were a spectacle as Uganda held a military parade during President Museveni’s inauguration as he extends his stay in office to 45 years.
The ceremony, held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, saw huge crowds of people gathered to witness an aerial display of carefully selected UPDF arsenal, featuring fighter jets including the Sukhoi Su-30MK2, part of a fleet of Russian-made aircraft operated by the Ugandan army.
The fly-past and static display also included MiG-21 and MiG-23 fighter jets, as well as several MI-17, MI-24 and MI-28 attack and utility helicopters used by the UPDF for missions both inside and outside the country.
Ground troops exhibited other weaponry, including the popular Mamba/Nyoka and Hizir armoured personnel carriers, which are widely used in the army’s operations, as well as T-55 and T-90.
The troops also displayed other armoured vehicles and specialised ground hardware, including BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, 105mm and 122mm field artillery guns as well as several anti aircraft systems, among others as the country demonstrated long-range combat capability and capability to destroy or neutralize aerial threats .
Also on display were several infantry fighting vehicles, including those manufactured by the National Enterprises Corporation (NEC), the UPDF’s business arm.
The highlight of the display was the paratroopers from the Special Forces Command, who demonstrated jumps into varied and challenging environments, including behind enemy lines, at night, and in high-altitude scenarios.
The display at Kololo showcased Uganda’s military strength, readiness, and capability.
According to the 2026 Global Firepower Index, the UPDF currently ranks as the 107th strongest military in the world and 23rd in Africa, reflecting its large, battle-hardened manpower and significant equipment.
Uganda has been credited for helping to pacify the Great Lakes Region, having intervened in several countries including South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
For example, in Somalia, Uganda was the first country to deploy troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia in 2007. The troops have been credited with dislodging Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu, where the group had been entrenched for many years.
Ugandan troops also guard the Somali Parliament, State House, and key installations in Mogadishu.
UPDF troops are also in charge of the United Nations Guard Unit, a specialised component responsible for the protection of UN personnel, facilities, and assets in Somalia.