Lt Gen James Mugira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), has lauded Uganda’s military-technical partnership with Russia as both historic and strategically vital.
Speaking during the Russia–Uganda Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation meeting at NEC Headquarters, Lt Gen Mugira hailed the engagement as a significant step forward in bilateral relations. “Russia has been a strategic ally of the African people, offering critical support to liberation movements during the struggle for independence from colonial rule,” he said.
The meeting follows earlier sessions held in Moscow in July 2022 and June 2024, marking continued progress in cooperation between the two nations.
Lt Gen Mugira highlighted Russia’s enduring contribution to military capacity building, which he said has helped African countries protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He appealed for deeper collaboration in defence manufacturing, calling on Russia to support local production efforts. “For our trusted allies like you, we request your support in building partnerships for the local production of military goods and services needed for the defence of our country,” he stated.
Addressing the broader historical context, he reflected on the legacy of colonial economic systems that relegated Africa to a supplier of raw materials. He stressed that a truly equitable relationship between Uganda and Russia must involve support for African self-reliance. “Only then can we speak of true and meaningful independence,” he asserted.
The Russian delegation, led by Mr Anatoli Punchuk, expressed appreciation for the Ugandan government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. “I assure you, there will be no regrets. Our relationship has only grown stronger,” Mr Punchuk said.
He commended Uganda’s strides in peace and development, noting increased cooperation across political, economic, and business sectors. “In 2024–2025, we saw active delegation exchanges between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and Russian defense industry enterprises aimed at strengthening military-technical cooperation,” he added.
Senior officials in attendance included NEC Luwero Industries General Manager Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi, Deputy Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force Commander Maj Gen David Isimbwa, Artillery Division Commander Maj Gen Daniel Kakono, Russian Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Vladlen Semivolos, delegates from the Russian Embassy, and senior officers from the UPDF.
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