Uganda’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Hon. Jonard Asiimwe, has arrived in Moscow, Russia, to participate in the Third Russia–Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum taking place on October 28–29, 2026.
The minister was received at Domodedovo International Airport by Uganda’s Deputy Head of Mission in Moscow, Ambassador Gideon Rutazindwa, as Uganda joins other African countries and Russian officials for discussions on strengthening economic, scientific and diplomatic cooperation.
The summit provides Uganda with an opportunity to deepen its longstanding relations with Russia and explore new partnerships in science, technology, innovation, trade, investment, infrastructure, energy and food security.
Vice President Jessica Alupo is also representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the summit. On the sidelines, Alupo joined other African leaders at a gala reception hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow.
She also delivered Museveni’s statement during a meeting between Putin and leaders of Africa’s regional economic communities and presented a personal message from the Ugandan President to his Russian counterpart.
Uganda and Russia maintain diplomatic relations dating back to the early years of Uganda’s independence. Their cooperation has covered defence and military-technical relations, education and training, energy, trade and investment, with both countries seeking to expand engagement into additional areas of economic and technological development.
Defence cooperation has been one of the established pillars of the relationship, including arrangements involving military equipment and technical support. The two countries have also explored opportunities in energy development, industrialisation, agricultural production and skills development.
The current summit offers a platform to broaden these ties beyond traditional areas of cooperation, particularly through scientific research, digital technologies, technology transfer and industrial development.
The discussions are relevant for Uganda to efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, build technical expertise and attract investment that can create jobs and increase the value of locally processed resources. Russia has expressed interest in expanding industrial processing and other productive partnerships across Africa.
The Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, held alongside the summit, brings together government representatives, businesses and other stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities and practical areas of cooperation.
The discussions are also expected to shape a new Russia–Africa cooperation action plan for 2027–2029, setting priorities for engagement between Russia and African countries in the coming years.
Uganda’s participation reflects its interest in turning diplomatic relations with Russia into practical cooperation that supports scientific advancement, technology transfer, industrial growth and broader economic development.