Russia expands military cooperation with Uganda, providing more than $53 million in weapons

Russia has delivered military equipment worth about $53 million to Uganda to support the African nation's armed forces, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni announced at a handover ceremony in late October.

“Uganda has received $53 million worth of equipment and hardware as a grant from our like-minded and strategic friends in the Russian Federation. I would like to thank President Putin for this support,” President Museveni said. He also stressed that Russia is a very close and historic friend of Africa.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at a handover ceremony of military equipment donated by Russia on October 26.

The equipment delivered by Russia to Uganda this time includes obstacle clearing vehicles, trench digging machines, speedboats, and technical logistics vehicles. President Museveni described this as "a very important and practical contribution" to Uganda's defense infrastructure, adding that Russia's gesture would inspire further cooperation.

At the event, the Ugandan President also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a military machinery overhaul center in the town of Magamaga, as well as a workshop in Entebbe.

Some Russian military equipment has just been donated to Uganda.

Russian Ambassador to Uganda, Vladlen Semivolos, stressed the traditional friendship between the two countries, based on mutual trust, non-interference and respect for national sovereignty , adding that Russia was one of the first countries to recognize Uganda's independence. He also highlighted President Museveni's contributions to strengthening national independence and regional stability.

Last year, Russia pledged to support Uganda as a regional hub for the development, upgrading and maintenance of Russian military equipment and technology.

Uganda also buys fighter jets, helicopters, artillery and reconnaissance equipment from Russia. Russia also operates an aircraft maintenance service center at Nakasongola Air Base in central Uganda.