Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has received a major military equipment donation from Russia valued at 53 million US dollars (approximately Sh184.1 billion). The donation marks another sign of the growing military and diplomatic ties between Kampala and Moscow.
According to reports, the equipment includes advanced defense systems, armored vehicles, surveillance technology, and training support meant to strengthen Uganda’s defense capabilities. The delivery comes at a time when Russia continues to deepen its partnerships with several African nations through defense cooperation and infrastructure investment.
President Museveni expressed gratitude to the Russian government, saying the donation would help Uganda boost its capacity to handle both internal and regional security challenges. He also reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Russia, which have existed for decades, particularly in the areas of military training, education, and energy.
The Russian government, on its part, said the donation is part of its broader effort to support African countries in strengthening their defense sectors and promoting strategic partnerships outside Western influence.
Analysts believe the move could have geopolitical implications, especially amid growing competition between global powers for influence in Africa. The partnership highlights Uganda’s continued strategy of balancing its foreign relations between Western allies and emerging powers such as Russia and China.
This latest development further cements President Museveni’s position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders with a keen interest in maintaining military strength and strategic independence on the global stage.
