Uganda and Russia have signed an agreement that allows holders of diplomatic and service passports from both countries to travel between them without visas. The agreement was signed in Moscow on the sidelines of the Third Russia–Africa Summit by Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Hon. Georgy Borisenko, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The visa waiver agreement covers government officials and others traveling on official business, and is expected to ease movement between Kampala and Moscow for ministers, diplomats, and public servants. The agreement aims to strengthen friendly relations and create favorable conditions for official visits between the two countries.
The agreement will enter into force 30 days after both governments complete their internal procedures and notify each other through diplomatic notes. Russian officials stated that the review process involves several institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, but pledged to expedite the process, citing Moscow’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Kampala.
During the talks, Russia expressed interest in increasing the visibility of Ugandan coffee and other agricultural products in its market and pledged support for efforts to improve access for Ugandan exports. The two sides also discussed expanding trade, with officials noting the need to provide private companies with clearer information about business and investment opportunities.
Information and communication technology was identified as an area for collaboration between Uganda and Russia. On education, Russian officials revealed that Uganda receives about 50 government-funded university scholarships annually, with additional Ugandan students studying in Russia through private sponsorship.
Hon. Kasolo invited Russian investment in agro-industrialization, mineral and energy development, infrastructure, and manufacturing, highlighting Uganda’s access to wider regional and continental markets through the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area. He emphasized the need for a clear framework with agreed targets, effective implementation, and regular reviews to measure cooperation between Russia and Africa.
Hon. Kasolo stated that Uganda stands ready to work with the Russian Federation, the African Union, and fellow African countries to achieve practical results in their cooperation. The two countries are seeking to broaden their relations beyond diplomacy, with the next meeting of the Uganda–Russia Intergovernmental Commission expected to discuss trade and investment opportunities.
Key points
- The visa waiver agreement aims to strengthen friendly relations and create favorable conditions for official visits between Uganda and Russia.
- Russia expressed interest in increasing the visibility of Ugandan coffee and other agricultural products in its market.
- Uganda receives about 50 government-funded university scholarships annually from Russia, with additional students studying through private sponsorship.
