Uganda’s Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, delivered a landmark speech at the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, reaffirming Uganda’s steadfast commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Russia to address pressing global challenges.
The address, marked by a call for deepened cooperation across multiple sectors, highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Kampala and Moscow, rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
Speaking before Russian parliamentarians, Vice President Alupo underscored Uganda’s dedication to fostering collaboration in key areas, including investment, trade, tourism, education, health, science and technology, information and communication technology (ICT), and strategic security.
“The growing Uganda-Russia ties are built on the foundation of common values and mutual benefits for the people of both countries,” Alupo declared, as reported by Uganda’s state-owned New Vision newspaper.
She emphasized the importance of a united approach to tackling global issues, advocating for a just, equitable, and inclusive world order that respects the sovereignty of nations.
The Vice President’s visit, a significant milestone in Uganda-Russia relations, was warmly received by Russian officials. Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council, praised Uganda as one of Russia’s key partners in Africa, noting that Alupo’s address symbolized a shared commitment to advancing bilateral relations.
“We view Uganda as a vital partner on the African continent, and this visit underscores our mutual desire to further develop our partnership,” Matviyenko stated, according to posts from the Russian Embassy in Uganda on X (formerly Twitter).
She highlighted the potential for expanded interparliamentary cooperation, including through initiatives like the Chamber of Young Legislators, which fosters youth exchanges and dialogue.
Alupo’s speech outlined several priority areas for collaboration. She called for enhanced cooperation in information technology, cybersecurity, and telecommunications, recognizing the transformative potential of these sectors for both nations.
Additionally, she highlighted opportunities in agriculture, a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, and invited Russian companies to participate in Uganda’s burgeoning fuel industry, which is poised for growth following recent oil discoveries.
“We see immense potential for Russian expertise and investment to contribute to Uganda’s development,” Alupo noted, signaling an open door for economic partnerships.
The Vice President also conveyed a personal message from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to Russian President Vladimir Putin, reinforcing the high-level diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Extending an invitation to Matviyenko to visit Uganda, Alupo expressed hope for continued reciprocal visits to strengthen ties.
Her address built on prior engagements, including discussions with Matviyenko on the sidelines of the 4th Eurasian Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg in September 2024, where Alupo advocated for direct flights between Uganda and Russia to boost trade, tourism, and investment.
Social media platforms buzzed with coverage of the event, with accounts like @UBCTVUganda describing Alupo’s speech as a “huge opportunity” to showcase Uganda’s global diplomatic outreach.
Images shared on X depicted the Vice President engaging with Russian senators, underscoring the warm reception and the significance of the occasion. The Russian Embassy in Uganda echoed this sentiment, posting that the visit marked a “new chapter” in bilateral relations.
The Federation Council address comes at a time when Africa is increasingly asserting its role in the emerging polycentric world order.
Alupo’s speech reflected Uganda’s broader foreign policy objectives of fostering partnerships that promote sustainable development and equitable global governance.
By aligning with Russia, a key global player, Uganda aims to leverage opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement while contributing to solutions for global challenges such as climate change, security, and economic inequality.
Historical ties between Uganda and Russia, dating back to the Soviet era, provide a strong foundation for this partnership. Recent years have seen increased engagement, including Russian support for Uganda’s health and education sectors and growing trade relations.
According to New Vision, bilateral trade has shown steady growth, with Russia exporting machinery, fertilizers, and wheat to Uganda, while Uganda supplies coffee, tea, and agricultural products to Russia.
Analysts view Alupo’s visit as a strategic move to position Uganda as a key player in Africa’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
“This visit signals Uganda’s intent to diversify its international partnerships and engage with global powers like Russia to advance its development agenda,” said Dr. Kintu Mugisha, a Kampala-based political analyst.
The focus on sectors like ICT and energy aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, which aims to transform the country into a middle-income economy through innovation and industrialization.
Both sides expressed optimism about the future of Uganda-Russia relations. Matviyenko reiterated Russia’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s development priorities, while Alupo emphasized the need for continued dialogue to translate commitments into tangible outcomes.
With plans for further high-level exchanges and potential agreements in the pipeline, the partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping both nations’ contributions to a multipolar world.