According to radar data from Ugandan authorities, the aircraft was tracked on November 14, 15, and 26, performing circuits around Kasese and Bundibugyo in Uganda, as well as Beni in the DRC. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the aircraft’s maneuvers were suspicious, leading to investigations by Ugandan military officials.
The U.S. Defense Attaché’s Office in Kampala had previously requested overflight permission from the Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF), Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, claiming the flights were for transporting personnel and cargo to the DRC. However, military sources indicated that this request may have been misleading.
The situation escalated when Ugandan air traffic controllers informed their DRC counterparts about the unauthorized flights, prompting concerns over national sovereignty and airspace violations. Both Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defense Forces, and President Yoweri Museveni have been briefed on these incidents, which could have implications for Uganda-U.S. relations.
As a result of these violations, the UPDF has revoked any previous authorizations granted for overflight over Ugandan territory. This development raises questions about transparency and accountability in military operations conducted by foreign entities within Ugandan airspace.