Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the Russian Federation for its consistent support to Uganda and Africa, describing Moscow as one of the continent’s most enduring partners in the struggle for political liberation, sovereignty, and development.
The President made the remarks on Sunday, October 26, 2025, while officiating at the handover of defence equipment worth USD 53 million from Russia to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The event also featured the launch of the Military Mechanised Major Repair Facility at Gaddafi Military Barracks, Magamaga, and the unveiling of a related workshop under construction in Entebbe.
The donation includes obstacle clearers, trench diggers, boats, workshops, and a coastal station — assets the President described as “very important and practical contributions” to Uganda’s military capability.
“I want to thank His Excellency Vladimir Putin for this donation of various equipment valued at USD 53 million. All of them are good, and they make work so easy,” Museveni said, commending Russia for its unwavering friendship.
A Partnership Rooted in History and Ideology
President Museveni drew historical parallels between Uganda’s partnership with Russia and Africa’s broader anti-colonial struggle, crediting the 1917 Russian Revolution for inspiring global movements for freedom and independence.
“By 1900, the whole of Africa, except for Ethiopia, had been colonised,” he said. “The first Africans to organise for liberation were the South Africans who formed the ANC in 1912. But globally, we were isolated — until the 1917 revolution in Russia, which changed the world and gave hope to the colonised nations.”
He added that subsequent revolutions, particularly in China (1949), further deepened solidarity among nations seeking self-determination.
“Our relationship with Russia is not just about defence and security — it is ideological and strategic. The Soviet Union and later Russia stood with Africa when others did not,” Museveni affirmed.
Strengthening Defence and Development Cooperation
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, thanked the President for his strategic leadership, saying his prioritization of security has anchored Uganda’s stability and economic growth. “We thank you, Your Excellency, for the wise guidance you continue to provide. Your focus on security as a precondition for development has shaped our success as a ministry and as a force,” he said.
He also commended Russia for its generosity, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to deepening technical and defence cooperation with Moscow.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces, said the Russian donation underscores genuine partnership built on mutual trust and respect. “This assistance is not just about equipment; it represents a long-standing bond built on shared history and strategic partnership,” he said. “It will enable the UPDF to execute its mandate more efficiently.”
H.E. Vladlen Semivolos, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Uganda, reaffirmed Russia’s enduring friendship and respect for Uganda’s sovereignty, noting that Russia was among the first nations to recognise Uganda’s independence.
“We are pleased to see that under His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Uganda continues to develop as a strong, independent, democratic, and prosperous country,” Ambassador Semivolos said.
He recalled the 2023 meeting between Presidents Museveni and Putin at the Second Russia–Africa Summit, which he said laid a foundation for broader cooperation in trade, energy, technology, and defence.
Honouring Friendship and Service
In recognition of the long-standing partnership between the two nations, ten Russian dignitaries received the National Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal for their contribution to strengthening Uganda’s defence and sovereignty.
The award, given under Section 3 of the National Honours and Awards Act (Cap 173, 2001), recognises individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the nation, particularly in preserving independence and promoting bilateral friendship.
The ceremony was attended by senior UPDF and Ministry of Defence officials, including Ms. Rosette Byengoma (Permanent Secretary), Lt. Gen. Jack Agonza Bakasumba (Chief of Joint Staff), Maj. Gen. D.K. Sande (Commander, Armoured Division), and Maj. Gen. Moses Rwakitarate (Commander, 3rd Headquarters Vital Assets Infantry Brigade).
Others present included Maj. Gen. Don Nabasa (Joint Staff – Policy and Strategy), Brig. Gen. Richard Wakainja (Head, CBT Engineers Brigade), Brig. Gen. Goodwin Karugaba (Joint Staff – Logistics), Brig. Gen. Robert Mugabe (Finance), Brig. Gen. Akankunda (Operations), and SSP Kyeyune Edirisa, Regional Police Commander for Busoga Eastern Region.
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