The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Ministry of Defence and UPDF has said it is soon venturing into military drones manufacturing.
NEC in 2019 entered into MOU with UAE-based Streit Group to start manufacturing armored vehicles locally.
They together formed NEC-Streit company.
Speaking during the opening of their first armored vehicle showroom at Abayita Ababiri, Streit Group chairman, Guerman Goutorov said the company always invests in new technology, adding that soon they are venturing in manufacturing of military drones.
“Every year we go forward with new technology and now we are in the process of manufacturing air drones which will help to protect the borders, the oil line and other stuff. We have research development engineers in our company and all the technology is brought here to train Ugandans ,” Goutorov.
He said the showroom is going to give extra access to clients and would-be clients to view the company’s products.
“It will help you see the right product for the right mission.”
The Managing Director of NEC, Lt Gen James Mugira said they have market both locally and outside the country .
“Internally we have Bank of Uganda and the UPDF and a number of vehicles you see here have been purchased by the UPDF. We are also looking at external markets and we have signed a few contracts where we shall be selling to other countries especially in the region,” Lt Gen Mugira said.
He spoke about the new showroom for armored vehicles located along Entebbe Road.
“These showrooms are crucial for business success because they are interactive as they allow customers physically interact with products and enable them see, touch and experience the products in person,” Lt Gen Mugira said.
He said the showroom will also give clients opportunity to inspect the product samples and get to know them better before procurement.
“This in a way enhances customer interaction and foster a deep understanding of NEC-Streit capabilities and what the brand offers. Since our plant is in Nakasongola which is 139 kilometres from Kampala and is also within a military complex not accessible to everyone, in order to ensure visbility, we decided to open a showroom.”
Last year, Uganda said it was partnering with China’s North Industries Corporation (Norinco) for a joint venture to establish a comprehensive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) workshop in Nakasongola.
