The Vice President of Uganda, Her Excellency Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, commenced her official visit to the Russian Federation with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.
The visit, which spans June 16-21, underscores the deepening ties between Uganda and Russia, with both nations expressing a commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The ceremony, held at the Kremlin Wall in the Alexander Garden, saw Vice President Alupo pay tribute to the Soviet soldiers who perished during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a revered war memorial, is marked by an Eternal Flame and the inscription, “Your name is unknown, your deed is immortal.” Alupo’s gesture symbolized respect for shared historical sacrifices and set a reflective tone for her visit aimed at fostering mutual collaboration.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Uganda’s Minister of Security, Hon. Jim Muhwezi, and Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Rose Akello, Vice President Alupo was warmly received in Moscow.
The delegation’s departure from Uganda was seen off by Russian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos, highlighting the significance of the visit.
During her stay, Alupo engaged in high-level discussions, including a meeting with Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia.
Addressing the Federation Council, the Vice President reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to deepening ties with Russia to address global challenges.
“Relations between Uganda and Russia are cordial and warm,” Alupo stated, expressing optimism about establishing new areas of cooperation in fields such as information technology, cybersecurity, agriculture, and tourism.
She also conveyed a message from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Russian President Vladimir Putin and extended an invitation for Matviyenko to visit Uganda.
Matviyenko echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Uganda’s role as one of Russia’s key partners in Africa. “Your visit symbolizes not only the strengthening of relations between our countries but also our shared commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation,” she noted.
The discussions also touched on expanding interparliamentary ties and fostering youth exchanges, with Matviyenko highlighting the role of the Chamber of Young Legislators under the Federation Council.
The visit builds on previous engagements, including Alupo’s attendance at the 4th Eurasian Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg in September 2024, where she and Matviyenko discussed enhancing women’s roles in global cooperation.
Uganda’s interest in direct flights with Russia, as expressed by Alupo during the forum, remains a focal point to boost trade, tourism, and investment.
This visit comes amid growing Uganda-Russia collaboration, notably in defense, with President Museveni previously acknowledging Russia’s high-quality weapons and technologies as vital to Uganda’s security framework.
The wreath-laying ceremony and subsequent engagements signal both nations’ intent to further solidify their partnership in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
As Vice President Alupo continues her visit, her agenda includes additional meetings to explore economic and cultural cooperation, reinforcing Uganda’s strategic alignment with Russia as a key ally on the African continent.