Defence Forces Broke: Minister Says Troops Share Uniforms
Bulawayo — Zimbabwe’s defence forces personnel are being forced to borrow ceremonial uniforms because the ministry cannot afford to kit them, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri has revealed.
Muchinguri disclosed this at the ongoing 2027 National Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo, being held under the theme: “Accelerating Economic Transformation and Building Resilience to Climate and Global Shocks.”
“Currently, the ministry is failing to meet the requirement for ceremonial uniforms. Many have to borrow,” Muchinguri told legislators. “Really, this does not give us the dignity we deserve for our defence forces.”
She said each member is supposed to be issued with three sets of uniforms, but the ministry has only managed two.
“We have already provided at least two. I am appealing to you that we need to address this issue,” she said.
Muchinguri attributed the shortage to chronic underfunding. The ministry was allocated US$620 million against a requirement of US$4 billion — just 25 percent of what is needed.
The minister said the uniform crisis was symptomatic of wider resource shortages. Only US$125 million was allocated for building maintenance against a requirement of US$1.6 billion — just six percent.
“The existing buildings are quickly losing their intrinsic value due to non-maintenance. This leaves our barracks and defence houses outdated,” she said.
She also disclosed that as of September 30, 2026, the ministry had accumulated US$1.22 billion in unpaid bills covering operational costs, utilities, maintenance, rentals, travel and allowances.
Muchinguri said the ministry needs an additional US$14.6 billion to implement minimum military standards, including proper kitting of personnel.
“We are performing, our economy is performing very well. But we need to take care of our soldiers that are responsible for ensuring that we are safe and securing our stability,” she said.
She said the role of the defence forces in creating a stable environment for economic activity was often overlooked, including by Treasury.
“There was no mention of the very special role that we play in creating a conducive environment so that all aspects of the economy thrive,” she said, referring to the Finance Minister’s statement. “All the good work on the performance of our economy lies also to a greater extent on our delivery of peace and stability.”
The uniform shortage is expected to feature prominently as Parliament considers the ministry’s 2027 allocation, with the portfolio committee already flagging concerns over institutional accommodation, transport and healthcare for service members.