Museveni Commends Russia for Enduring Defence Cooperation as Uganda Marks 64 Years of Independence

ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Russian Federation for its continued military support to Uganda, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and defence cooperation between the two countries.

The President made the remarks during a meeting with 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 Uganda–Russia relations as historic, tracing their roots to the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and highlighting the enduring ties between the two countries.

“This cooperation and friendship between Uganda and Russia is historical. It started in 1917 with the Bolsheviks,” President Museveni said.

The President expressed appreciation for Russia’s continued support to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), particularly through military infrastructure projects and facilities established in Magamaga, Entebbe, Kalangala and Karama.

“Thank you for your military support in Magamaga, Entebbe, Kalangala, and Karama,” he said.

He noted that the cooperation was contributing to the development of Uganda’s military capabilities and pledged to formally communicate his appreciation to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I shall also write officially to President Vladimir Putin thanking him,” President Museveni said.

The meeting underscored the continued engagement between Uganda and Russia in defence cooperation, including military infrastructure development, equipment maintenance and technical training.

Russia Reaffirms Longstanding Support

Maj. Gen. Marchuk reaffirmed Russia’s continued support for Uganda since the country attained independence, expressing gratitude to President Museveni for receiving the delegation during the national celebrations.

“Russia has supported Uganda since its independence. We are grateful to the President for receiving us on Independence Day, such a special day, and wish Your Excellency a happy and long life,” Maj. Gen. Marchuk said.

He reported that the Russian team had fulfilled commitments made during a previous meeting with President Museveni a year earlier, particularly regarding the completion of military infrastructure projects.

“We were received by the President in this same period last year, and we promised to complete all the construction. We have done our mission with great pleasure and honour,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Marchuk outlined several projects undertaken with Russian support to strengthen Uganda’s military infrastructure and operational capabilities.

At Magamaga, the team constructed a park for arms and military equipment. In Entebbe, the projects included a maintenance and repair centre for watercraft and a station for quick-response duty units.

He also highlighted the provision of a floating berth and technical equipment for security operations at the Marines pier at Port Alice, alongside the deployment of a mobile command post at the Marines School in Kalangala.

At the Mechanised Warfare College in Karama, the Russian team established a multimedia classroom for crews operating BRDM-2M armoured reconnaissance vehicles.

According to Maj. Gen. Marchuk, the projects form part of Russia’s contribution to strengthening Uganda’s military infrastructure, supporting equipment maintenance and enhancing the technical capabilities of personnel.

Cooperation to Extend to Language Training

Looking ahead, Maj. Gen. Marchuk proposed extending Russian language training for Ugandan personnel, with the next phase scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026.

“We propose to continue Russian language training from 1 December 2026 and to sign a supplementary agreement for five years with five instructors,” he said.

The proposal points to continued collaboration in technical training and personnel development, complementing the two countries’ existing defence cooperation.

President Museveni welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to sustaining cooperation with Russia.

The engagement reflects the continued importance both countries attach to their bilateral relationship, particularly in defence cooperation, military infrastructure development and technical capacity-building.

As Uganda marked 64 years of independence, the meeting at State House provided an opportunity for the two sides to review their cooperation, acknowledge completed commitments and consider areas for continued engagement.