President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to deepening ties with Russia, marking a significant step in bilateral relations on the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
In his letter dated May 8, 2025, addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Museveni extended warm congratulations, highlighting the historical importance of Russia’s role in the victory and expressing Uganda’s desire to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The letter praised the “immense contribution of the Russian people” to the defeat of Nazi Germany, noting that it remains a pivotal chapter in global history.
Museveni emphasized the shared values of peace, unity, and international solidarity, which have underpinned Uganda-Russia relations since the 1960s.
He also used the occasion to signal Uganda’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on initiatives that benefit both nations and their peoples.
This diplomatic gesture follows a recent milestone in April 2024, when Russia donated $3 million worth of advanced military mapping equipment to Uganda’s armed forces.
According to Business Insider Africa, the gear is designed to enhance Uganda’s military strategy, disaster response, and urban planning capabilities, showcasing Russia’s growing support for Uganda’s security and development needs.
This donation has laid a foundation for deeper strategic collaboration between the two countries.
Further solidifying their partnership, Uganda and Russia have been engaging in talks to explore cooperation in the energy sector.
In November 2024, Ugandan officials revealed ongoing discussions with Russia to establish a nuclear energy agreement.
This potential deal could significantly advance Uganda’s energy diversification goals while positioning Russia as a key partner in Africa’s nuclear technology landscape.
Such a collaboration reflects a broader trend of Russia’s expanding influence on the continent through energy and technical partnerships.
The strengthening of ties comes amid a complex global landscape, with Russia seeking to deepen its engagement with African nations as a counterbalance to Western influence.
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For Uganda, aligning with Russia offers opportunities to bolster its security and development objectives, though experts warn of the need to maintain a balanced approach to avoid over-dependence on a single partner, particularly given Russia’s geopolitical tensions with the West over issues like the Ukraine conflict.
Museveni concluded his letter with personal well-wishes for Putin’s health and the prosperity of the Russian Federation, underscoring Uganda’s commitment to a constructive partnership.
As both nations look ahead, their collaboration is expected to focus on practical areas such as energy, security, and infrastructure, building on their historical friendship to address contemporary challenges and opportunities.
Uganda-Russia Relations
Uganda and Russia share a long-standing relationship that began with the establishment of diplomatic ties between Uganda and the Soviet Union on October 11–12, 1962, shortly after Uganda’s independence.
These relations have remained warm and cordial, evolving through economic, military, and diplomatic cooperation.
Key aspects include:
- Diplomatic Engagement: Both nations maintain embassies in each other’s capitals (Kampala and Moscow). High-level interactions have included visits by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to Russia, such as his 2009 private visit and attendance at the 2019 and 2023 Russia-Africa Summits, as well as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visits to Uganda, notably in 2022. A 2008 Memorandum of Consultations and a 2014 Government-to-Government Agreement further solidified ties, leading to the creation of an Intergovernmental Committee on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation in 2015.
- Economic and Trade Relations: Trade has grown significantly, with bilateral trade rising from $30 million in 2009 to $74 million by 2018, and $108.3 million in 2021 (Russia exported $90.2 million, mainly cereals, while Uganda exported $18.1 million). Agreements signed in 1964 and 1965 laid the foundation for economic cooperation, including a Soviet loan of 14 million rubles. Uganda seeks Russian investment in sectors like mining, ICT, agriculture, and energy, with projects like a 2017 Russian contract for digital monitoring systems.
- Military Cooperation: Russia is a key supplier of military equipment to Uganda, providing T-72 and T-90S tanks, MiG-21 and Su-30MK2 fighters, and Mi-24 and Mi-28 helicopters. A 2003 Military and Technical Cooperation Agreement governs this partnership. Uganda has established a regional hub for maintaining Russian military equipment, including a helicopter maintenance facility at Nakasongola Air Base. In 2024, Russia donated $100 million to the Ugandan army, and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son, has expressed strong support for Russia, even pledging troops to defend Moscow if needed.
- Political and Ideological Alignment: Uganda values Russia’s historical support for African anti-colonial movements, a sentiment echoed by Museveni, who has praised Russia’s role over the past century. Uganda has maintained neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, abstaining from UN votes condemning Russia’s actions in 2022 and 2023, reflecting a strategic alignment with Moscow amid tensions with the West. A 2023 joint declaration committed both nations to preventing the militarization of outer space, emphasizing peaceful cooperation.
- Cultural and Educational Ties: During the Soviet era, many Ugandans studied in the USSR, though the number of students has declined since the 1990s due to economic reforms. Cultural exchanges continue, with events like the 2023 National Exhibition of Uganda in Moscow showcasing Ugandan products and crafts.
- Recent Developments: Relations have deepened in recent years, particularly in defense and trade, with Uganda positioning itself as a regional hub for Russian interests. Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has played a prominent role in strengthening ties, including through military engagements. Uganda’s participation in Russia-Africa Summits and its abstention from anti-Russia UN resolutions signal a strategic pivot toward Moscow, partly as a counterbalance to Western influence.
Overall, Uganda-Russia relations are characterized by mutual support, with Uganda benefiting from Russian military and economic assistance, while Russia gains a reliable African partner amid global geopolitical shifts.