The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched preparations for the 3rd Session of the Uganda–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, scheduled for 7–8 October 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The announcement was made at a media briefing addressed by Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, H.E. Moses Kizige, and Russia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos.
The Commission, which will feature a high-level business forum, aims to review progress on agreements reached during the 2nd Session in Moscow in 2018 and fast-track over 20 pending Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across key sectors, including trade, health, education, energy, and agriculture.
Strengthening Uganda–Russia ties
Amb. Kizige underscored the importance of the upcoming session, noting that the partnership between Uganda and Russia dates back to 1962, when Moscow opened its Embassy in Kampala.
“Uganda continues to benefit from Russian scholarships, training, and technical cooperation. At this 3rd Session, our focus will be on technology transfer, value addition in agriculture and minerals, energy cooperation, trade, and investment,” Kizige said.
He added that Uganda is processing over 23 MoUs that will be signed in subsequent engagements, emphasising the need for closer follow-up to unlock tangible benefits.
“Despite a steady pace, we need to actively pursue these agreements with our ministries and agencies so that our people can fully benefit,” he said.
Amb. Kizige also highlighted Uganda’s new place within the BRICS arrangement, effective January 2025, saying it opens fresh opportunities for cooperation.
“More than 70% of the world’s resources are held within BRICS countries. Uganda will leverage this to deepen trade, attract investment, and expand markets for our products,” he explained.
Russia reaffirms commitment
Amb. Semivolos welcomed Uganda’s preparations and reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to deepening cooperation.
“Hosting this Commission in Kampala underlines the strategic importance of Uganda–Russia relations. We already have signed agreements in education, vocational training, agriculture, and health, and we are ready to expand this cooperation into new areas,” he said.
He revealed that Russia is preparing tailored proposals for Uganda, including the supply of agricultural machinery, support for value addition, and infrastructure partnerships.
“Several Russian companies are eager to establish a presence in Uganda, and we are developing programs to foster knowledge exchange and capacity building,” Semivolos added.
Business conference and private sector focus
On the sidelines of the Commission, a Business Conference and Exhibition will bring together government officials, private sector leaders, and investors for plenary sessions, B2B and G2B engagements. The event will be coordinated with the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) to boost Uganda’s export drive.
Amb. Kizige noted that Uganda is keen to attract more Russian tourists and investment into its tourism sector: “For this reason, we are encouraging Russian investors to explore Uganda’s potential, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and mining.”
The 3rd Intergovernmental Commission marks a milestone in Uganda–Russia relations, delayed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both sides expressed optimism that the outcomes will translate into greater trade, stronger partnerships, and deeper people-to-people ties.
