Uganda Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Defence Ties With Russia

The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Russia, emphasising historical ties and shared security interests.

 

“Russia and Uganda have a long-standing history of collaboration. We appreciate Russia’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in our country and the region,” said Hon. Oleru.

 

Hon. Oleru was speaking in Kampala as she joined the Embassy of the Russian Federation to commemorate Defender of the Fatherland Day, a holiday honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Russian military personnel, where she represented the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

 

She also commended the Russian Embassy and the Ambassador for their efforts in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, the Russian Military and Air Attaché, Colonel Nikolay Pavlov, emphasised the significance of the occasion, marking the 107th anniversary of Defender of the Fatherland Day, a day dedicated to the Russian Armed Forces, which the people of Russia celebrate on 23 February.

 

He provided a historical overview of the holiday, tracing its origins back to 1918 and its evolution through Soviet and modern Russian history.

 

Despite the challenges, Col Pavlov reiterated Russia’s readiness to share its defence expertise with allied nations, including Uganda.

He highlighted Uganda’s participation in the International Military-Technical Forum in Russia and reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to continue defence cooperation and deepen strategic ties.

 

“The Russian Federation has traditionally maintained friendly and strategic relations with Uganda. We appreciate Uganda’s decision to join BRICS as a partner state, which will further strengthen our political, economic, and military cooperation,” he said.

 

Present were the Deputy Commander Air Force, Maj Gen David Isimbwa; Joint Staff Health Services, Maj Gen Ambrose Musinguzi; senior officers of the UPDF; and Defence Attachés and Advisors accredited to Uganda.