Uganda has stepped up its engagement with Russia in a renewed bid to accelerate industrialisation, science, and technology as part of the country’s journey toward attaining higher middle-income status.
This comes after Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen Jeje Odongo, and Russia’s Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, Ms Bella Cherkesova, signed a series of cooperation agreements in Kampala this week under the Uganda–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation (IGC).
Gen Odongo said the partnership marks a significant milestone in the long-standing relations between the two countries — a relationship he described as rooted in mutual respect, loyalty, and shared aspirations for progress.
“Uganda has been looking forward to this moment,” Gen Odongo remarked, adding that Kampala views Moscow as a trusted partner in its pursuit of industrial growth, digital advancement, and human capital development.
Under the renewed cooperation framework, Uganda and Russia will focus on key sectors including ICT, energy, mining, infrastructure, education, and digital transformation. The agreements are expected to unlock investment opportunities and facilitate technology transfer that could boost Uganda’s competitiveness in the East African region.
Cherkesova said the two countries are preparing for the second meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission later this year in Moscow, building on the first session held in Kampala in 2018.
“Our engagement has been steady and consistent. The next phase will deepen cooperation in innovation, communication, and media — areas crucial for socio-economic transformation,” she said.
Officials believe the partnership will complement Uganda’s national development priorities and Vision 2040 goal of achieving a diversified economy with a GDP exceeding $3 trillion.
Russia’s involvement is also seen as a strategic counterbalance to Uganda’s existing economic ties with Western nations and China — offering Kampala more room for maneuver in the evolving global economic landscape.
Gen Odongo further emphasized that Uganda is open to broad-based partnerships but prioritises those that bring tangible benefits to its people through job creation, skills transfer, and industrial value addition.