Uganda has reiterated its dedication to international collaboration, with the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, describing the country as “one of the most accessible nations in Africa.”
This declaration came during a high-level engagement with a Russian delegation at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya.
Hon. Oboth emphasized President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s unwavering efforts to highlight Uganda’s defence capabilities on the global stage.
“Delegations often tour Luweero Industries Limited (LIL), a subsidiary of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), as a way of promoting Uganda’s defence production,” Hon. Oboth remarked. “This is one of the ways Uganda has maintained cordial relations with other countries.”
The meeting followed the recent Uganda–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation held at NEC headquarters.
It continues a series of engagements, including previous discussions in Moscow in July 2022 and again in June 2024, all aimed at enhancing strategic partnerships.
“Uganda has enjoyed a cordial relationship with Russia, and our doors remain open to all, but Russia is always welcome,” Hon. Oboth added.
He also noted Uganda’s aspirations to boost its defence manufacturing through global cooperation.
“This cooperation will help us address regional threats such as terrorism,” he said.
Mr Anatoli Punchuk, who led the Russian delegation, commended Uganda’s ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties and applauded its advancements in peace and development.
“Russia is willing to support Uganda’s defence industry through technology transfer and training of personnel,” he said.
Present at the meeting were MODVA Permanent Secretary Ms Rosette Byengoma, Russian Ambassador to Uganda Mr Vladlen Semivolos, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding, NEC General Manager Lt Gen James Mugira, LIL Managing Director Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi, as well as other senior officials from MODVA, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), and the Russian delegation.
