Magamaga/Entebbe — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed Russia as one of Africa’s most enduring partners in the struggle for political liberation and development, noting that Uganda’s relationship with Moscow extends well beyond military cooperation to encompass shared ideological and historical values.
The President made the remarks on Sunday, October 26, 2025, while officiating at the handover of defence equipment worth USD 53 million from the Russian Federation to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The event also marked the launch of the Military Mechanised Major Repair Facility at Gaddafi Military Barracks, Magamaga, and a related workshop under construction in Entebbe.
The donated assets — including obstacle clearers, trench diggers, boats, workshops, and a coastal station — were described by the President as “very important and practical contributions” to Uganda’s defence capacity.
“I want to thank His Excellency Vladimir Putin for this donation of various equipment valued at USD 53 million. All of them are good, and they make work so easy,” President Museveni said, commending Russia for its continued support and friendship.
A Partnership Rooted in History and Ideology
President Museveni traced Uganda’s and Africa’s historical relationship with Russia to the broader anti-colonial and liberation struggles of the 20th century.
“By 1900, the whole of Africa, except for Ethiopia, had been colonised,” he recalled. “The first Africans to organise for liberation were the South Africans who formed the ANC in 1912. But globally, we were isolated. The only friends of African freedom fighters were African Americans. Then came the 1917 revolution in Russia, which changed the world and gave hope to the colonised nations.”
He further noted that the 1949 revolution in China deepened global solidarity among nations seeking freedom and independence. “Our relationship with Russia is not just about defence and security—it is ideological and strategic,” he emphasised. “The Soviet Union and later Russia stood with Africa when others did not.”
Strengthening Defence and Development
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, thanked President Museveni for his strategic leadership and unwavering focus on defence as a foundation for national stability and economic growth.
“We thank you, Your Excellency, for the wise guidance you continue to provide. Your prioritisation of security as a precondition for development has shaped our success as a ministry and as a force,” he said.
Hon. Oboth also extended appreciation to the Government of Russia for its generosity and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening defence and technical cooperation with Moscow.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces, said the Russian support symbolises genuine partnership and shared commitment to peace and stability.
“This assistance is not just about equipment; it represents a long-standing bond built on trust, mutual respect, and shared history,” he said. “It will enable the UPDF to execute its mandate more efficiently.”
Russia Reaffirms Commitment to Uganda
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos, reaffirmed his country’s enduring friendship with Uganda, grounded in principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and sovereignty.
“Russia was among the first nations to recognise Uganda’s independence,” he said. “We are pleased to see that under His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Uganda continues to develop as a strong, independent, democratic, and prosperous country.”
Ambassador Semivolos also recalled the 2023 meeting between Presidents Museveni and Vladimir Putin at the Second Russia–Africa Summit, which he said laid a solid foundation for expanded bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, technology, and defence.
Honouring Friendship and Service
In recognition of the long-standing partnership between the two nations, 10 Russian dignitaries were awarded the National Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal for their contributions to strengthening Uganda’s sovereignty and defence.
The medal, awarded under Section 3 of the National Honours and Awards Act (2001, Cap 173), honours individuals who have rendered outstanding service and demonstrated exceptional loyalty to the nation, particularly in safeguarding Uganda’s independence.
The event drew senior officials from Uganda’s defence and security establishment, including Ms Rosette Byengoma, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs; Lt. Gen. Jack Agonza Bakasumba, UPDF Chief of Joint Staff; Maj. Gen. D.K. Sande, Commander of the UPDF Armoured Division, and Maj. Gen. Moses Rwakitarate, Commander of the 3rd Headquarters Vital Assets Infantry Brigade.
Also present were Maj. Gen. Don Nabasa (Joint Staff – Policy and Strategy), Brig. Gen. Richard Wakainja (Head, CBT Engineers Brigade), Brig. Gen. Goodwin Karugaba (Joint Staff – Logistics), Brig. Gen. Robert Mugabe (Joint Staff – Finance), Brig. Gen. Akankunda (Joint Staff – Operations), and Senior Superintendent of Police Kyeyune Edirisa, Regional Police Commander for Busoga Eastern Region.