In a landmark stride toward enhancing Uganda’s industrial and defence capabilities, the government has officially unveiled the NEC-STREIT Armoured Vehicle Showroom, a state-of-the-art facility in Abayita Ababiri, Wakiso District. The launch, officiated by Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), signals Uganda’s growing stature as a regional hub for security solutions and defence manufacturing.
The facility, established through a strategic joint venture between Uganda’s National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and the UAE-based Streit Group, a globally renowned manufacturer of armoured vehicles, is a major addition to the NEC-STREIT Assembly Plant already operating in Nakasongola. The showroom now serves as a central interface for showcasing Uganda’s expanding portfolio of locally produced armoured vehicles to national and regional clients.
A Timely Investment for Security and Industry
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Huda Oleru praised NEC and Streit Group for a timely and visionary collaboration. “This showroom is not only a showroom for the army or police,” she said. “It is a resource for researchers, banks transporting cash, humanitarian agencies working in high-risk areas, and any entity requiring reliable and secure mobility.”
She emphasized that the project aligns closely with the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, citing its potential to boost local manufacturing, promote skills transfer, and expand employment opportunities in advanced industrial technologies. “This is a testament to how public-private partnerships can drive national transformation,” she added, relaying the full support of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth.
A Platform for Customer-Centric Engagement
Lt Gen. James Mugira, Managing Director of NEC, described the showroom as a strategic marketing and customer engagement facility. “This initiative bridges the gap between production and client experience. It gives our customers—whether public agencies or private sector institutions—a hands-on opportunity to inspect, evaluate, and even test our products prior to procurement,” he said.
He further highlighted the diverse range of vehicles now available from the Nakasongola facility, including:
MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected Vehicles)
Armoured ambulances
Cash-in-transit vehicles
Specialized vehicles for riot control and border security
“These are vehicles built to international standards, using a workforce composed of highly skilled Ugandan technicians,” he noted. More than 100 Ugandans have so far been trained in armoured vehicle assembly and engineering technologies, thanks to the partnership’s commitment to local capacity building.
Global Standards, Local Impact
Mr. Guerman Goutorov, Chairman and CEO of Streit Group, commended Uganda’s forward-looking stance on security innovation and industrial development. “Our partnership with NEC is not just about manufacturing vehicles. It’s about building a legacy of technological empowerment, local skills development, and regional leadership in security innovation,” he said.
Mr. Goutorov revealed that the joint venture is expanding its scope to include aerial surveillance systems and drone-based security solutions, solidifying Uganda’s leadership in modern defence technologies across East and Central Africa.
High-Level Endorsement and Multisectoral Interest
The unveiling ceremony drew a distinguished delegation of top security and business leaders. These included:
Maj Gen Apollo Kasita Gowa, Director of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC)
Lt Gen Charles Okidi, Commander of the Air Force Base
Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff
Senior representatives from the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and Bank of Uganda
Members of the private sector, notably Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Uganda’s most prominent business leaders
This wide cross-sectoral presence speaks volumes about the facility’s importance beyond military applications. Financial institutions, logistics companies, diplomatic missions, and international NGOs operating in volatile environments are all seen as potential clients for the products on offer.
NEC-STREIT: A Vision Rooted in Self-Reliance and Regional Growth
The NEC-STREIT joint venture, launched in 2019 and operational since 2022 with the commissioning of its first plant in Nakasongola, remains one of the few armoured vehicle manufacturing initiatives on the African continent. With the addition of the Wakiso showroom, the venture now provides a centralized, accessible platform for both domestic and international buyers to engage with Uganda’s growing defence production capabilities.
NEC, the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has leveraged this partnership to position Uganda as a net contributor to regional security, an exporter of defence technologies, and an industrial innovator. The involvement of Streit Group ensures adherence to global standards in safety, engineering, and quality control, while Uganda contributes local engineering talent and contextual insight.
Conclusion: A Strategic Leap for Uganda’s Regional Influence
The launch of the NEC-STREIT Armoured Vehicle Showroom is more than a celebration of industrial achievement—it is a strategic milestone for Uganda’s national development. It strengthens the country’s defence self-sufficiency, supports local industries, and signals Uganda’s readiness to play a more influential role in regional peace and security affairs.
As Uganda continues to deepen its investments in homegrown innovation and public-private partnerships, initiatives like the NEC-STREIT showroom illustrate how industrial growth and national security can go hand in hand—firmly anchoring the country’s place as a leader in Africa’s new security and industrial frontier.
