Uganda and Belarus Strengthen Ties with Key MoUs on Security, Trade and Education

Entebbe — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially welcomed Belarus’ Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko at State House, Entebbe, marking a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

During his official visit, Golovchenko held a one-on-one meeting with President Museveni, while a parallel discussion took place between Belarus’ delegation, led by First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Lukashevich, and Ugandan officials headed by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja.

The two leaders later presided over joint bilateral talks, focusing on strategic areas of cooperation, including agriculture, investment, trade, education, and defence.

The discussions culminated in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), among them agreements on political consultations, visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders, military-technical cooperation, education, food security, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Highlighting the potential benefits of the partnership, President Museveni noted that Belarus’ expertise in agriculture and machinery could help Uganda boost local production.

“They have very good tractors, and we can work with them to produce these here. This partnership will also allow us to manufacture milk coolers locally instead of importing them from Denmark,” Museveni stated.

He also emphasised Belarus’ advanced capabilities in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), announcing an agreement for Ugandan students with degrees in physics and computer science to receive specialized training in Belarus.

To oversee the implementation of the MoUs, Museveni appointed a special committee led by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, alongside other key ministers from agriculture, defence, and trade. The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) will also play a role in managing joint ventures.

President Museveni further acknowledged Belarus and Russia’s historical role in Africa’s anti-colonial struggles, tracing back to the early 20th century. He reiterated Uganda’s commitment to strengthening ties with Belarus as a strategic ally.

For his part, Prime Minister Golovchenko hailed Uganda’s leadership and economic progress, pledging Belarus’ commitment to ensuring the MoUs translate into tangible results.

“Uganda is an excellent country governed by an excellent leader, and under your wise leadership, there has been significant socio-economic progress,” he remarked.

In a major policy development, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed Decree No. 68 on February 20, 2025, waiving visa requirements for diplomatic and service passport holders from both countries, further easing bilateral engagements.

Golovchenko also congratulated President Museveni on assuming the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and assured Uganda of Belarus’ support in achieving NAM’s objectives over the next two years.

The high-level meeting was attended by several Ugandan ministers, including Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa (Energy & Mineral Development), Hon. Francis Mwebesa (Trade), Hon. Frank Tumwebaze (Agriculture), Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire (Internal Affairs), Hon. Dr Chris Baryomunsi (ICT), Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth (Defense), and Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo (Education & Sports).