The United States government has officially handed over a state-of-the-art auditorium to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), marking another milestone in bilateral defense cooperation and regional peacebuilding efforts.
The new facility, valued at $3.7 million (approximately Shs13.2 billion), is located at the International Peace Support Operations Training Center (IPSOTC) and is expected to significantly enhance the UPDF’s training and operational readiness for international peacekeeping missions.
With a seating capacity of over 1,500 personnel, the auditorium is equipped with advanced audiovisual and IT infrastructure. It also includes dedicated office space, storage facilities, and conference rooms, making it a versatile resource for hosting workshops, strategic meetings, and other large-scale UPDF engagements.
According to U.S. officials, the auditorium is designed to support Uganda’s rapid deployment in peacekeeping and humanitarian crisis response operations across the region.
This development follows two major infrastructure contributions made by the U.S. government to Uganda’s defense sector in 2024 — the delivery of a United Nations Level 2 Field Hospital worth $5.5 million in October and a vehicle maintenance facility valued at $1.5 million in December.
While the majority of U.S. defense and security cooperation in Uganda focuses on health programs benefiting ordinary Ugandans, these latest projects underscore a broader commitment to regional stability and peacekeeping.
“These investments reflect our deep partnership with Uganda and our shared commitment to a safer, more secure world,” U.S. officials said during the handover ceremony.
The U.S. continues to support Uganda through long-standing programs such as the African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership (APRRP) and the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), which aim to strengthen African nations’ capabilities to deploy swiftly and effectively in peacekeeping missions.
Through these initiatives, Uganda has built strong institutional readiness to contribute to both UN and regional security efforts, reinforcing its strategic role in advancing peace and security on the continent.
