Kira Municipality MP, Hon Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, has called on the government to clarify the presence of suspicious US drones that have been reported surveilling Uganda.
During a plenary session, the outspoken MP raised this issue, noting that these drones have been observed on three separate occasions.
He expressed concern that this development follows threats made on social media by the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, directed at the US Ambassador, William Popp.
“We require the government to reassure us that an American surveillance aircraft has not infringed upon our sovereignty on three distinct occasions. While we might violate Kenyan airspace and voice complaints when America does the same to us, we still seek reassurances.
The context here includes a CDF issuing ultimatums to the US ambassador for disrespecting his father. Following this, we see an American surveillance aircraft encroaching on our airspace. Therefore, we urge the government to address our concerns,” Hon Ssemujju appealed to the Speaker.
It is important to point out that in now-deleted posts on his social media X account, Gen Muhoozi issued an ultimatum to the US ambassador in Uganda to apologize to the President for disrespecting the commander-in-chief. The government later indicated that this stance did not reflect its official position, and the Ambassador did not issue an apology.
In the meantime, reports indicated that an American Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft was spotted on November 14, 15, and 26 flying over areas in Kasese and Bundibugyo in Uganda, as well as Beni in the DRC.
The aircraft’s tail number has been linked to a lease from the US Department of Defense. Moreover, it originated from Djibouti, where the US Naval base is located. Following the emergence of this situation, Ugandan intelligence initiated an investigation.
The craft had received authorization to transport cargo and personnel to the DRC from Uganda upon a request from the US Defense Attachè’s office in Kampala.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the aircraft did not reach its intended destination as initially reported. Consequently, the granted permission was revoked. Additionally, while entering the DRC, this aircraft allegedly did not obtain prior consent from local authorities.
