Gen Muhoozi, Amb Semivolos Discuss Uganda-Russia Security Cooperation

The Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, last week met the Russian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Vladlen Semivolos, with whom they discussed matters of mutual interest.

According to a message from the General’s office, the two leaders discussed the strong bilateral ties between their respective countries.

“Last week, the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations met with the Russian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos. They discussed the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and the Russian Federation and reviewed our countries’ military-technical cooperation agreements,” a message from Gen Kainerugaba’s office reads.

The meeting which happened in Entebbe coincides with African leaders’ meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia in which they are trying to mediate between Russia and Ukraine amid the crisis that has entered a second year.

In the recent past, Gen Kainerugaba has expressed his support for Russia and President Putin.

“We only believe in President Putin when it comes to Eastern Europe. The West is wasting its time with its useless pro-Ukraine propaganda. Russia, China, Africa, India, and South America shall win in Ukraine. 75% of humanity shall win against 15%,” Gen Kainerugaba tweeted on March 30, 2023.

In a separate tweet, Gen Kainerugaba again expressed his support for Russia, asserting that: “The majority of mankind (that are non-white) support Russia’s stand in Ukraine. Putin is absolutely right! When the USSR parked nuclear-armed missiles in Cuba in 1962 the West was ready to blow up the world over it. Now when NATO does the same they expect Russia to do differently?” the Ugandan General wondered.

Relatedly, while commenting about Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, President Yoweri Museveni said he saw no reason to criticise Moscow, extolling Russian-African friendship during the visit of Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov last year.

Speaking alongside Lavrov then, President Museveni praised Russia as a partner in the struggle against colonialism going back a century.

“If Russia makes mistakes, then we tell them,” Gen Museveni said, citing his participation in student demonstrations against the crushing of the Prague Spring by the Soviet Union in 1968.