Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hosted his Ugandan counterpart, Jeje Odongo, in a meeting aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing Russia’s engagement with African nations.
The discussions, held in Moscow, underscored the growing partnership between the two countries and highlighted Uganda’s new role as a BRICS partner country.
Lavrov warmly welcomed Odongo, emphasizing the importance Russia places on its relationship with Uganda.
He noted that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s active participation in the first and second Russia-Africa Summits had been instrumental in shaping a new African agenda.
“We attach a lot of importance to our cooperation with Uganda,” Lavrov said, referencing Museveni’s contributions to fostering stronger Russia-Africa ties.
The meeting follows Odongo’s visit to Sochi in November 2024 for the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
Lavrov highlighted ongoing efforts to implement the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan 2023–2026, adopted at the Second Russia-Africa Summit.
The plan outlines key priorities for collaboration, including economic development, security, and cultural exchange.
A significant focus of the talks was Uganda’s recent designation as a BRICS partner country, a milestone achieved at the BRICS Summit in Kazan.
Lavrov expressed enthusiasm for working with Uganda within this new framework, signaling opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and global governance.
“We look forward to working with our friends in Uganda within this new framework,” Lavrov stated, underscoring Russia’s commitment to supporting African nations in international forums like BRICS.
The meeting reflects Russia’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with African countries amid shifting global dynamics. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutual interests and fostering a multipolar world order.
This latest engagement marks another step in the evolving Russia-Uganda partnership, with both sides eager to build on the momentum of recent summits and Uganda’s growing role on the global stage.
Russia-Uganda relations
Russia-Uganda relations, established in 1962, have grown significantly, rooted in historical Soviet support for African anti-colonial movements.
Diplomatic ties are marked by mutual respect, with embassies in Kampala and Moscow. Key developments include a 1964 trade agreement, economic cooperation, and recent defense partnerships.
Russia has supplied Uganda with military equipment, including T-72 tanks, MiG-21 fighters, and Mi-28 helicopters, with a $100 million donation in 2024 strengthening ties.
Trade has expanded, with Russia exporting $90.2 million (mostly cereals) and Uganda $18.1 million in 2021.
Recent collaborations involve nuclear energy discussions, a $3 million Russian donation of military mapping gear, and a joint declaration against space weaponization.
President Museveni has praised Russia’s historical and ongoing support, emphasizing defense and potential cooperation in fertilizers, oil, and space technology.
High-level visits, like Museveni’s to Russia and Lavrov’s to Uganda, underscore deepening ties, with Uganda joining BRICS as a partner in 2025, signaling stronger political and economic alignment despite Western tensions.