On 26 October, Russia donated military and engineering equipment worth $53 million to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), reinforcing the historic partnership between the two countries. The donation includes obstacle-clearing and trench-digging machines, boats, workshops, and a coastal station. The handover ceremony took place at the College of Logistics and Engineering (COLE) in Magamaga, Mayuge District.
The event was attended by senior Ugandan officials, including Permanent Secretary Mrs. Rosette Byengoma; Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba; Armoured Division Commander Maj Gen Deus Sande; Commander of Vital Assets Maj Gen Moses Rwakitarate; members of the Russian delegation; and senior UPDF officers.
During the ceremony, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, said, “These equipments, all of them are good. The obstacle clearer, trench digger, machines like the boats, and then the workshops, and the coastal station. They are all very important. What the Russians have done is ‘okuroza’.”
He added, “Our relationship with Russia is not just about defence and security; it is ideological and strategic,” and thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for his continued support. Museveni also urged Ugandan officials to follow up on other areas of cooperation, including humanitarian projects.
Russian Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Vladlen Semivolos highlighted the growing partnership, saying, “We have witnessed impressive dynamics in our cooperation, which has evolved into a multifaceted partnership. The cordial relationship between our Heads of State remains a driving force in strengthening Uganda-Russia interaction.” He noted that the second phase of the project will include a maintenance and repair facility in Magamaga, a patrol boat storage site, and a modern floating pier in Entebbe, expected to be completed by September 2026.
Following the speeches, selected UPDF generals and officers were awarded medals from the Russian Ministry of Defence in recognition of their contributions to strengthening Uganda-Russia relations.
Uganda has maintained a strong military partnership with Russia, acquiring a range of advanced systems over the years. These include T-90 tanks, Kornet anti-tank missiles, ship-launched surface-to-air missiles, Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), and SU-30MK fighter jets, reflecting the deepening defence and strategic ties between the two countries.
