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.
The CZ Bren 2, produced by Česká zbrojovka in Uherský Brod, Czech Republic, represents a refined evolution in assault rifle design, building on lessons from its predecessor, the CZ 805 Bren. Introduced in 2015, the Bren 2 addressed shortcomings in the original model, such as weight and ergonomics, to create a modular platform adaptable to various missions. In its 7.62x39mm configuration, the rifle maintains compatibility with abundant ammunition stocks across Africa, a practical choice for forces like Uganda’s that have historically relied on AK-pattern weapons. The short-stroke gas piston system ensures reliable cycling even in harsh environments, with a guaranteed barrel life of 20,000 rounds thanks to hard-chrome lining. Weighing approximately 3.1 kilograms unloaded for the carbine variant, it offers a balance of portability and firepower, with barrel options ranging from 8 to 14 inches to suit different roles.
Technical aspects of the Bren 2 make it particularly appealing for semi-technical users familiar with basic firearm mechanics. The rifle employs a polymer frame reinforced with carbon fibre for durability without excess weight, and its ambidextrous controls—including the magazine release, bolt catch, and safety selector—allow seamless operation by both right- and left-handed shooters. The curved 30-round magazine, typical for the 7.62x39mm version, feeds smoothly into the chamber, and the rifle’s Picatinny rails on the top, bottom, and sides enable mounting of optics, lights, and foregrips. Effective range extends to 400 meters with iron sights, but accuracy improves with red dot or magnified scopes, achieving sub-MOA groups in controlled tests. Rate of fire reaches 850 rounds per minute in full-auto mode, though select-fire models like those likely issued to Ugandan units include semi-auto and burst options for controlled engagements. The folding stock collapses to reduce overall length to about 700 millimetres with a 9-inch barrel, making it manoeuvrable in vehicles or tight spaces.
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.
The task force’s use of the Bren 2 came to light through images captured during operations in Kampala, where operators wore distinctive skull masks and black uniforms emblazoned with the Ugandan flag. One photograph depicts a masked soldier holding the rifle at the low ready position, its distinctive angular receiver and curved magazine clearly visible against the urban backdrop. Another close-up highlights the rifle’s folding stock and flash hider, confirming the 7.62x39mm variant suited to penetrating light cover common in insurgent encounters. These visuals, watermarked by local media outlet Nile Post, suggest the weapon has entered service for elite units focused on high-threat environments.
Historically, the Bren 2 traces its roots to the Czech military’s need for a replacement to ageing vz. 58 rifles in the early 2000s. The original CZ 805 Bren, adopted in 2011, faced criticism for complexity and was refined into the Bren 2, which debuted with lighter materials and simplified internals. The 7.62x39mm version, developed to appeal to markets transitioning from Warsaw Pact standards, retains the calibre’s stopping power while incorporating Western features like AR-style pistol grips and adjustable stocks. Česká zbrojovka, now part of the Colt CZ Group following a 2021 merger, has exported the rifle to over a dozen countries, emphasising its adaptability.
In combat, the Bren 2 has earned praise for its performance in Ukraine, where licensed production began in 2024 under Ukroboronprom. Ukrainian special forces and foreign legion fighters have lauded its durability in muddy trenches and reliability during prolonged firefights, often preferring it over AKs for its ergonomics and accuracy. Videos from the frontlines show soldiers using the rifle in urban assaults on Russian positions, where its modular rails allow integration of thermal sights for night operations. Similarly, French GIGN units employ a 9-inch barreled version for hostage rescue, demonstrating its versatility in close-quarters battle. In Africa, South African Special Forces displayed the rifle during Exercise Vukuhlome III in 2024, testing it in desert manoeuvres alongside R4 rifles. Bangladesh’s army adopted it in 2025 as a standard issue, citing its lightweight construction for jungle patrols. Egyptian police showcased it during Bright Star 25 exercises, pairing it with other weapons for joint drills.
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.
Comparisons to legacy weapons reveal the Bren 2’s advantages. The AK-47, still in use by some Ugandan units, weighs over 4 kilograms and lacks modern rails, limiting accessory options. The Bulgarian AR-M9F, while an improvement with polymer furniture and Picatinny mounts, doesn’t match the Bren 2’s ambidextrous design or reduced recoil from the inline stock. In tests, the Bren 2 demonstrates tighter groupings at 300 meters, thanks to a free-floating barrel and improved trigger pull averaging 3.5 pounds in semi-auto mode. Maintenance is straightforward, with tool-less disassembly for cleaning the piston and bolt carrier, essential for troops in remote bases.
The acquisition could stem from Czech export efforts targeting African markets, where the rifle’s NATO compatibility appeals to forces partnering with Western allies. Uganda’s defence budget, around 1.5 per cent of GDP in 2025, supports selective upgrades, possibly funded through bilateral aid or direct purchases. No official announcement has surfaced, but the task force’s deployment suggests limited initial rollout to special units before wider adoption. This mirrors patterns in neighbouring Kenya, where the CZ Bren 2 appeared in 2025 with similar compact configurations.
Potential impacts on Ugandan operations include enhanced lethality in counterinsurgency. The rifle’s rate of fire and magazine capacity allow sustained suppression during contacts with militants, while its low weight eases long patrols in mountainous border areas. For the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce, formed in 2008 to combat urban threats, the Bren 2 facilitates dynamic entries with reduced fatigue. Challenges may arise in ammunition interoperability if units mix with AKs, but standardised 7.62x39mm ammunition mitigates this. Long-term, training programs will emphasise the rifle’s features, potentially involving Czech instructors or local armourers certified by Česká zbrojovka.
Beyond Uganda, the Bren 2’s proliferation underscores the Czech industry’s global reach. The company produces variants like the Bren 2 BR battle rifle in 7.62x51mm for designated marksman roles, but the 7.62x39mm model dominates exports to post-Soviet states. In Moldova, it replaced AK-74s in 2025, enhancing NATO integration. Polish forces tested it for special operations, appreciating its cold-weather performance. Romanian units adopted limited numbers for border security, while Hungary fields it as a standard issue alongside Czech vehicles.
Real-life deployments highlight the rifle’s resilience. In Ukraine’s Donbas region, Bren 2 users reported minimal jams after exposure to rain and dirt, contrasting with older designs. A 2023 video showed a Ukrainian squad using the rifle to clear a trench, its burst mode neutralising threats at 50 meters. French GIGN operators praised its balance during a 2024 hostage simulation, where the short barrel aided navigation in confined spaces. South African Recces employed it in anti-poaching ops, valuing the suppressor compatibility for stealth.
For Uganda, this rifle bolsters a force active in regional peacekeeping. The Uganda People’s Defence Force’s involvement in Congo against the Allied Democratic Forces, responsible for attacks killing hundreds, benefits from weapons like the Bren 2 that offer precision without excess bulk. Domestic security, including VIP escorts and crowd control, gains from the rifle’s intimidating yet controllable profile.
