An incident involving an alleged US spy plane has raised tensions in East Africa, as reports from Ugandan media detail multiple breaches of airspace over Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) last month. According to the Kampala Post, military sources indicated that the breaches occurred on three separate occasions: November 14, November 15, and November 26.
The aircraft in question, identified as a Bombardier Challenger 604 with the tail number N9191, reportedly conducted surveillance flights over specific regions, including Kasese and Bundibugyo in Uganda, as well as Beni in the DRC. This aircraft is said to be leased by the US Department of Defense and is primarily based in Djibouti, which is home to a US Navy base.
Initial reports suggest that the US Defence Attaché’s Office in Kampala had requested permission for the aircraft to transport personnel and cargo to the DRC. However, concerns were raised when the aircraft failed to land at its intended destination and was instead observed performing what were described as “suspicious maneuvers” within the airspaces of both countries.
Further inquiries revealed that the US operators of the aircraft had not sought permission from the DRC prior to entering its airspace. This oversight reportedly incited frustration among DRC authorities, prompting Ugandan air traffic controllers to inform their DRC counterparts about the situation.
In response to the breaches, both Uganda’s President and the Chief of Military Staff have been informed about the incident. Following this, the earlier authorization granted for the aircraft was rescinded, heightening scrutiny over US military operations in the region. The situation remains a critical point of discussion as it raises questions about air sovereignty and international protocol regarding military flights in foreign airspace.
