Both countries have made a concerted effort to deepen their relationship in recent months, and evidence suggests that their interests and geopolitical alignment are expanding.
In a recent development, Russia donated $3 million in high-tech mapping gear to Uganda’s military.
The gear enables precise terrain mapping, essential for military strategy, disaster response, and urban planning.
“Uganda and Russia have maintained strong ties, especially in military cooperation dating back to Uganda’s independence,” a statement from the Ugandan army reads.
As reported by Sputnik, the move follows the 2023 launch of PRO HELI, a Uganda-Russia joint company for helicopter repair and restoration.
Russia and Uganda relationship within the last year
This action is consistent with Moscow’s growing interest in Africa’s nuclear sector, where Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear firm, has expanded its presence.
The CEO of Rosatom acknowledged that Uganda and Russia were examining development proposals for a nuclear power facility in Uganda.
To formalize the project, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed. Ugandan Energy Minister Sidonius Okaasai Opolot said that the two parties are actively collaborating to establish the best location for the new power facility.
Aside from energy, both countries are also aiming to improve people-to-people contact.
In September 2024, Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo declared Uganda’s plan to develop a direct aviation link with Russia during the Eurasian Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg.
During a meeting with Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko, Alupo highlighted that Uganda cherishes its relationship with Russia and sees air connection as a step toward further commercial and diplomatic engagement.
Months prior, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commander of Uganda’s People’s Defense Forces, paid a visit to Moscow in May 2024 and met with Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s presidential envoy for the Middle East and Africa.
Their conversation reportedly focused on the instability affecting the East African region, as well as the role that both countries might play in supporting peace and security.
