Leaked files reveal Uganda’s Israel defence ties, $52 million drone deal: Report

Uganda’s decision to potentially deploy troops to Gaza has put its military ties with Israel under fresh scrutiny. A new report based on leaked files reveals previously undisclosed details of years of alleged defence cooperation between the two countries, including a major Israeli drone programme for the Ugandan military.The report, published by as US media outlet on Tuesday, said internal documents from Israeli defence company Elbit Systems showed that Uganda had acquired surveillance drones and other military systems as part of an expanding security relationship with Israel.According to Drop Site News, the documents included a confidential agreement dated March 2024 for four Hermes 900 surveillance aircraft and supporting infrastructure worth $52.1 million. The records also allegedly detailed equipment and systems offered to Uganda’s Military Intelligence and Special Forces Command.The outlet said the documents came from an archive of hacked emails and files belonging to an Elbit executive. Drop Site News said it conducted cryptographic verification of emails in the archive and verified non-public material.Elbit, however, disputed the report’s characterisation of its business activities.“Elbit Systems does not comment on business matters relating to its customers. The materials presented do not accurately reflect the company’s business activities,” an Elbit spokesperson told Drop Site News.The report said the documents also pointed to advanced surveillance capabilities, including systems designed to monitor large areas, intercept communications and generate radar imagery in difficult conditions. It further alleged that records referred to weapons-related equipment and upgrades.The disclosures come as Uganda prepares for a possible role in a proposed international security force for Gaza.Uganda’s Parliament approved on August 6 a government motion authorising the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to Gaza as part of an international stabilisation mission. The Ugandan Parliament said the deployment was intended to support efforts to restore peace and facilitate humanitarian assistance.Ugandan and Burundian military officials had travelled to Israel to discuss potential participation in the proposed force. AP reported that Uganda had approved the deployment of about 1,200 troops, while Burundi had not finalised its participation.Uganda has emerged as a major African military power, with forces deployed in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. In 2025, a UN inquiry alleged Ugandan forces provided aerial support during attacks that killed and maimed civilians.The proposed force is intended to stabilise Gaza, support humanitarian operations and train Palestinian police, although the composition and final mandate of the mission remain under discussion.