Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo held a productive meeting with Valentina Matvienko, Chairman of Russia’s Federation Council, during an official visit to Moscow, reinforcing the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.
The discussions highlighted Uganda’s strategic importance as a key African partner for Russia.
Matvienko warmly welcomed Alupo, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Uganda across political, economic, and cultural spheres.
She noted that Uganda plays a pivotal role in Russia’s expanding engagement with Africa, aligning with mutual goals of development and collaboration.
In response, Vice President Alupo expressed heartfelt appreciation for the gracious reception and extended an official invitation to Matvienko to visit Uganda.
“We value the warm and cordial ties between our countries, built on shared principles and mutual respect,” Alupo remarked, underscoring the benefits of the partnership for both Ugandan and Russian peoples.
The meeting reflects the ongoing momentum in Russia-Uganda relations, following Uganda’s recent designation as a BRICS partner country and its active participation in Russia-Africa Summits.
Both sides expressed optimism about future collaborations, with Alupo’s invitation paving the way for continued high-level dialogue.
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 defence 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.