Rio de Janeiro — Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, represented the country at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting currently underway in Rio de Janeiro, Federative Republic of Brazil. The meeting, taking place from April 28 to 29, 2025, is in preparation for the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for July 6–7, 2025, under Brazil’s Chairship.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Hon. Odongo Jeje held a bilateral discussion with Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mauro Vieira. The two leaders exchanged views on strengthening bilateral ties and addressed international issues of mutual interest.
Minister Mauro Vieira officially welcomed Uganda to BRICS as a Partner State and expressed optimism about Uganda’s potential contribution to the grouping. Hon. Odongo Jeje reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to promoting the values and aspirations of BRICS, especially by championing the interests of the Global South.
The two Ministers agreed to work through diplomatic channels to develop a roadmap for enhancing cooperation between Uganda and Brazil.
BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China (later joined by South Africa in 2010), represents major emerging economies accounting for about 49.5% of the world’s population, 40% of global GDP, and 26% of global trade.
The group expanded further in 2024 with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates joining as full members. In 2025, Indonesia became a full member, while countries like Uganda, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Belarus, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, and Uzbekistan were inducted as Partner States.
Since its inception, BRICS has evolved from an economic concept introduced by Goldman Sachs in 2001 into a formal diplomatic platform promoting cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, finance, health, technology, and climate change. The organisation also emphasises partnerships through forums like the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women Business Alliance.
Brazil, which assumed the 2025 Chairship of BRICS under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for more Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” has outlined priorities such as global health collaboration, climate action, governance of artificial intelligence, and reforming multilateral peace and security systems. Close to 120 events are planned during Brazil’s tenure to foster greater partnerships among BRICS members and partners.
The 17th BRICS Summit in July 2025 is expected to further shape cooperation frameworks among member and partner countries, including Uganda’s growing role within the bloc.