President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Russia for its continued military support to Uganda, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and defence cooperation between the two countries. The President made the remarks while meeting a Russian delegation led by the Head of Russian Military Experts in Uganda, Maj. Gen. Sergei Marchuk, at State House, Entebbe, on the sidelines of Uganda’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.
President Museveni described the relationship between Uganda and Russia as historic, tracing its roots to the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. He thanked Russia for its consistent support, particularly to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), citing military-related projects and facilities in Magamaga, Entebbe, Kalangala and Karama.
The President said the contribution is strengthening Uganda’s military capabilities, pledging to formally convey his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Maj. Gen. Marchuk said Russia had maintained its support for Uganda since the country attained independence, thanking President Museveni for receiving the delegation on the occasion of the national celebrations.
Maj. Gen. Marchuk highlighted several projects completed with Russian support to strengthen Uganda’s military infrastructure and operational capabilities. He cited the construction of a park for arms and military equipment at Magamaga, as well as a maintenance and repair centre for watercraft and a station for quick-response duty units in Entebbe.
The Russian team had also equipped the Marines pier at Port Alice with a floating berth and technical equipment for security operations, alongside the deployment of a mobile command post at the Marines School in Kalangala. At the Mechanised Warfare College in Karama, the team established a multimedia classroom for crews operating BRDM-2M armoured reconnaissance vehicles.
Looking ahead, Maj. Gen. Marchuk proposed extending Russian language training for Ugandan personnel, beginning December 1, 2026. President Museveni welcomed the proposal and pledged to sustain cooperation between Uganda and Russia, reinforcing the longstanding bilateral relationship.
The meeting between President Museveni and Maj. Gen. Marchuk reaffirmed the strong ties between Uganda and Russia, with a focus on defence cooperation and military support. The two countries have maintained a historic relationship, with Russia providing significant support to Uganda's military infrastructure and personnel.
Key points
- President Museveni commends Russia for its continued military support to Uganda.
- The relationship between Uganda and Russia is historic, tracing its roots to the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.
- Russia has completed several military infrastructure projects in Uganda, including a park for arms and military equipment at Magamaga.
