Uganda and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen military-technical cooperation, with officials from both countries hailing the partnership as historically vital for future strategic defense collaboration.
Speaking at the Intergovernmental Commission meeting on Military-Technical Cooperation held at the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Headquarters on June 4, Lt Gen James Mugira, NEC Managing Director, described Russia as a long-standing ally to Africa. “Russia has been a strategic ally of the African people, offering critical support to liberation movements during the struggle for independence from colonial rule,” he said.
The meeting followed earlier sessions in Moscow in July 2022 and June 2024, underscoring a growing relationship between the two nations.
Lt Gen Mugira praised Russia’s continued role in military capacity building across Africa. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and urged Moscow to support Uganda’s ambitions in local defense manufacturing. “For our trusted allies like you, we request your support in building partnerships for the local production of military goods and services needed for the defence of our country,” he said.
He also reflected on Africa’s colonial past, highlighting the urgent need to dismantle economic structures that left the continent dependent on exporting raw materials. “Only then can we speak of true and meaningful independence,” he stated.
The Russian delegation was led by Anatoli Punchuk, who assured Uganda of Moscow’s firm commitment to strengthening ties. “I assure you, there will be no regrets. Our relationship has only grown stronger,” he said.
Punchuk acknowledged Uganda’s progress in peace and development and welcomed growing cooperation in defense, politics, and business. “In 2024–2025, we saw active delegation exchanges between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and Russian defense industry enterprises aimed at strengthening military-technical cooperation,” he noted.
Senior Ugandan and Russian officials attended the meeting, including Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi, General Manager of NEC Luwero Industries; Maj Gen David Isimbwa, Deputy Commander of the UPDF Air Force; Maj Gen Daniel Kakono, Commander of the Artillery Division; and Russian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos. Delegates from the Russian Embassy and senior UPDF officers were also present.
