President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Russia for its continued military support to Uganda, citing projects aimed at strengthening the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the country’s military infrastructure.
The President made the remarks on Thursday while meeting a Russian delegation led by the Head of Russian Military Experts in Uganda, Maj Gen Sergei Marchuk, at State House Entebbe, on the sidelines of Uganda’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.
President Museveni described the relationship between Uganda and Russia as historic, tracing its roots to the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.
“This cooperation and friendship between Uganda and Russia is historical. It started in 1917 with the Bolsheviks,” President Museveni said.
He thanked Russia for its military support, citing projects and facilities in Magamaga, Entebbe, Kalangala and Karama.
“Thank you for your military support in Magamaga, Entebbe, Kalangala, and Karama,” he said.
President Museveni said the support was strengthening Uganda’s military capabilities and pledged to formally express his appreciation to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I shall also write officially to President Vladimir Putin thanking him,” he said.
Maj Gen Marchuk said Russia had maintained its support for Uganda since the country attained independence. He thanked President Museveni for receiving the delegation during the national celebrations and extended his wishes to the President.
“Russia has supported Uganda since its independence. We are grateful to the President for receiving us on Independence Day, such a special day, and wish Your Excellency a happy and long life,” Maj Gen Marchuk said.
He said the Russian team had fulfilled commitments made during a meeting with President Museveni the previous year, particularly regarding the completion of military infrastructure projects.
“We were received by the President in this same period last year, and we promised to complete all the construction. We have done our mission with great pleasure and honour,” he said.
Maj Gen Marchuk outlined several projects undertaken with Russian support, including the construction of a park for arms and military equipment at Magamaga, a maintenance and repair centre for watercraft in Entebbe, and a station for quick-response duty units.
He also cited the installation of a floating berth and technical equipment at the Marines pier at Port Alice to support security operations, as well as the deployment of a mobile command post at the Marines School in Kalangala.
At the Mechanised Warfare College in Karama, the Russian team established a multimedia classroom for crews operating BRDM-2M armoured reconnaissance vehicles.
The projects, Maj Gen Marchuk said, were intended to strengthen Uganda’s military infrastructure, equipment maintenance and operational capabilities.
He also proposed extending Russian language training for Ugandan personnel, with a new programme scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026.
“We propose to continue Russian language training from 1 December 2026 and to sign a supplementary agreement for five years with five instructors,” he said.
President Museveni welcomed the proposal and pledged to sustain cooperation between Uganda and Russia.
The meeting underscored the two countries’ continued defence engagement, including military infrastructure development, technical support and training.