Uganda deepens military ties with Russia as Gen Muhoozi hosts high-level delegation

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) has welcomed a prominent Russian military delegation to the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe this Thursday.

This visit marks a significant step in the growing defense relationship between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Russian Armed Forces.

Dispatched by the Russian Minister of Defense, the delegation aimed to enhance strategic cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces.

Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the UPDF’s business arm, also attended the meeting.

Discussions focused on broadening cooperation in defense and security, reflecting the increasingly close military partnership between Uganda and Russia.

This meeting follows Gen. Muhoozi’s recent trip to Moscow, where he led a delegation to discuss similar issues. The CDF’s office noted that these engagements aim to strengthen mutual defense interests and explore new areas of collaboration.

Gen. Muhoozi has been proactive in developing Uganda’s military ties with Russia. His recent discussions with Russian military officials, including Maj. Gen. Sergey Marchuk, who is now overseeing military cooperation with Uganda, have revolved around enhancing operational and strategic collaboration.

Uganda’s relationship with Russia has deep roots, dating back to October 13, 1962. Over the decades, this partnership has flourished, with Uganda becoming a significant customer of Russian military hardware, including jets, helicopters, artillery, and reconnaissance equipment.

The Pro Heli Plant International Services at Nakasongola Air Base, where the first-ever overhauled and upgraded Russian helicopter in sub-Saharan Africa was recently inaugurated, is a testament to this cooperation.

In May 2023, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted the expanding cooperation between Kampala and Moscow in strategic areas such as satellite development, remote sensing technologies, and land and space infrastructure.

The recent meeting between Gen. Muhoozi and the Russian delegation represents a new chapter in Uganda’s defense strategy, promising increased collaboration in military and technological advancements.

As Uganda strengthens its defense capabilities, its partnership with Russia is becoming a cornerstone of its strategic military planning and regional influence.