Uganda has reiterated its commitment to fostering international collaborations, with Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth emphasizing the nation’s accessibility and openness to global partnerships.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with a Russian delegation at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya, the minister highlighted Uganda’s strategic efforts to showcase its defence capabilities.
“Under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership, Uganda remains one of Africa’s most accessible nations,” Hon. Oboth said. He noted that foreign delegations frequently visit Luweero Industries Limited (LIL), a subsidiary of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), to explore Uganda’s growing defence production.
“These engagements reflect our commitment to building strong, cooperative relationships with other nations,” he added.
The meeting followed the recent Uganda–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, hosted at NEC headquarters.
Building on previous discussions in Moscow in July 2022 and June 2024, the talks focused on deepening bilateral defence ties.
“Uganda values its longstanding relationship with Russia, and we welcome further collaboration to enhance our defence manufacturing and address regional challenges like terrorism,” Hon. Oboth stated.
The Russian delegation, led by Mr. Anatoli Punchuk, commended Uganda’s progress in promoting peace and development.
“Russia is ready to support Uganda’s defence sector through technology transfers and personnel training,” Punchuk affirmed, signaling Moscow’s commitment to the partnership.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including MODVA Permanent Secretary Ms. Rosette Byengoma, Russian Ambassador to Uganda Mr. Vladlen Semivolos, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, NEC General Manager Lt. Gen. James Mugira, LIL Managing Director Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col. Chris Magezi, and senior officials from MODVA, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), and the Russian delegation.
Uganda’s proactive approach to international defence cooperation underscores its ambition to bolster regional security while advancing its industrial capabilities through strategic partnerships.