Uganda And Russia Strengthen Defence Ties In High-Level Meeting
Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to international partnerships, with the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, describing the country as “one of the most accessible nations in Africa.”
During a high-level meeting with a Russian delegation at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya, Hon. Oboth underscored President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s dedication to showcasing Uganda’s defence potential. “Delegations often tour Luweero Industries Limited (LIL), a subsidiary of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), as a way of promoting Uganda’s defence production,” he said. “This is one of the ways Uganda has maintained cordial relations with other countries.”
The meeting followed the latest Uganda–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, recently held at NEC headquarters. It builds on prior engagements in Moscow in July 2022 and June 2024, aimed at bolstering strategic ties. “Uganda has enjoyed a cordial relationship with Russia, and our doors remain open to all, but Russia is always welcome,” Hon. Oboth stated. He also noted Uganda’s ambition to expand its defence manufacturing capacity through international collaboration. “This cooperation will help us address regional threats such as terrorism,” he added.
Leading the Russian delegation, Mr Anatoli Punchuk praised Uganda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, applauding its progress in peace and development. “Russia is willing to support Uganda’s defence industry through technology transfer and training of personnel,” he affirmed.
Other attendees included MODVA Permanent Secretary Ms Rosette Byengoma; Russian Ambassador to Uganda Mr Vladlen Semivolos; Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding; NEC General Manager Lt Gen James Mugira; LIL Managing Director Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi; Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi; and senior officials from MODVA, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), and the Russian delegation.
