Uganda Strengthens Ties with Cuba and Russia Amid Calls for Solidarity, Cooperation

On February 20, 2026, Hon. Okello Henry Oryem, State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), held separate high-level meetings with visiting diplomats from Cuba and Russia, underscoring Uganda’s commitment to international solidarity and practical cooperation.

Cuba-Africa Relations and Opposition to Coercive Measures

H.E. Juan Humberto Macias Pino, Ambassador of Cuba to Uganda, paid a courtesy call to Hon. Oryem to discuss the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the long-standing historical relationship between Cuba and Africa. Amb. Pino highlighted Cuba’s continued support for African independence struggles, including the fight against apartheid in South Africa.

Recalling the 2024 Kampala Summit Declaration and UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/80/209 on Human Rights and Unilateral Coercive Measures, adopted by 122 countries in December 2025, Hon. Oryem reiterated the importance of African solidarity with Cuba in light of the enduring US blockade.

“We stand in solidarity with nations like Cuba and peoples subjected to unilateral coercive measures, particularly those from our Movement,” said Okello, reaffirming Uganda’s support and highlighting the special relationship between the two countries.

Russia-Africa Engagement and the World Public Summit

Later, Hon. Oryem received Amb. Vladlen Semivolos, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, who announced the upcoming World Public Summit–Africa scheduled for July 2026. The summit is expected to advance shared development, strategic trust, and practical cooperation across trade, energy, innovation, and education.

Amb. Semivolos described the platform as “a timely opportunity for investment, partnerships, and strengthened multilateral engagement between Russia and Africa.”

These engagements reflect Uganda’s active diplomatic role in fostering international partnerships while advocating for African solidarity in multilateral forums.