Uganda’s security forces have introduced a modern twist to their arsenal with the adoption of the Czech-made CZ Bren 2 assault rifle in 7.62x39mm calibre, as evidenced by recent appearances in the hands of Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce personnel. This move reflects the nation’s ongoing efforts to equip its troops with reliable, versatile weaponry suited to the demands of counterterrorism and regional stabilisation operations. Photographs from public events show taskforce members carrying the rifle, which features a compact design ideal for urban and close-quarters engagements common in Uganda’s security landscape.
The Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce, a specialised unit under the Uganda Police Force that collaborates closely with the Uganda People’s Defence Force, has been spotted with these rifles during routine deployments, signalling a shift toward more advanced small arms to complement existing inventories. While the exact number of units procured and the timeline of acquisition remain undisclosed, this development aligns with broader trends in African militaries seeking NATO-compatible systems that retain familiarity with Soviet-era calibres.
Uganda’s choice of the Bren 2 fits into a pattern of military upgrades driven by persistent threats from groups like the Allied Democratic Forces and al-Shabaab. The Uganda People’s Defence Force, with around 45,000 active personnel, has long depended on a mix of imported arms, including Chinese Type 56 AK variants and, more recently, Bulgarian AR-M9F rifles in the same calibre. The AR-M9F, acquired in substantial quantities by 2022, provided a modernised AK platform with improved ergonomics, but the Bren 2 offers superior modularity and reliability in dusty, humid conditions prevalent in East Africa. For the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce, tasked with urban counterterrorism and VIP protection, the rifle’s compact size and quick handling prove advantageous during rapid response scenarios, such as raids on militant hideouts or securing public gatherings.
For Uganda, integrating the Bren 2 addresses gaps in small arms capabilities amid operations in Somalia under the African Union Mission and against the Allied Democratic Forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Uganda People’s Defence Force has participated in AMISOM since 2007, facing ambushes and IEDs that demand robust firearms. The rifle’s gas piston system reduces fouling from sand and mud, a common issue in these theatres, and its 7.62x39mm round provides better barrier penetration than 5.56mm alternatives. Training on the platform likely involves familiarisation with its quick-change barrel feature, allowing swaps between calibres if needed, though Uganda’s variant sticks to the Soviet round for logistical ease.