Russia donates $53m military equipment to Uganda
"I want to thank President Putin for the military support; this support is beneficial. What the Russians have done is just a glimpse of the good things they have achieved. Russia is a historic and very good friend of Africa," Museveni said.
President Yoweri Museveni touring the military equipment donated by Russia Federation after being received at Gaddafi Military Barracks, on October 26 2025. (Credit: PPU)
Russian military delegation takes a group with President Museveni after receiving the military equipment donated by Russia Federation at Gaddafi Military Barracks, on October 26, 2025. (Credit: PPU) Some of the military equipment donated by Russia Federation exhibited after being received by President Museveni at Gaddafi Military Barracks on October 26, 2025. (Credit: PPU) Vladlen Semivolos, Russian ambassador to Uganda, speaks during the handover ceremony of military equipment donated by Russia Federation to Uganda at Gaddafi Military Barracks, on October 26 2025. (PPU Photo) President Museveni (2nd R) cutting the ribbon as Vladlen Semivolos, Russia Ambassador to Uganda, looks on during the handover ceremony of the military equipment donated by Russia Federation to Uganda at Gaddafi Military Barracks, on October 26, 2025. (Credit: PPU)
KAMPALA - President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday received a donation of military equipment worth 53 million US dollars (sh184.1b) from Russia.
While receiving the donation, Museveni described Russia as Uganda's ideological and strategic friend.
The donated equipment includes obstacle clearers, trench diggers, boats, workshops, and a coastal station, assets that the President described as “very important and practical contributions” to Uganda’s defence infrastructure.
Museveni also launched the Military Mechanised Major Repair Facility at Gaddafi Military Barracks, Magamaga, and a workshop in Entebbe that is under construction.
"I want to thank President Putin for the military support; this support is beneficial. What the Russians have done is just a glimpse of the good things they have achieved. Russia is a historic and very good friend of Africa," Museveni said.
Uganda has had a long history of military cooperation with Russia.
In February 2023, the two countries in February 2023 launched the PRO HELI International Service Limited, a joint venture with Uganda’s National Enterprise Corporation, which specialises in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of civil and military helicopters.
Russian ambassador to Uganda Vladlen Semivolos reaffirmed the long-standing friendship between Russia and Uganda, grounded in principles of mutual trust, non-interference, and respect for national sovereignty, adding that Russia was among the first countries to recognise Uganda’s independence.
“We are pleased to see that under His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Uganda continues to develop as a strong, independent, democratic, and prosperous country,” Ambassador Vladlen said, referencing the meeting between Presidents Museveni and Russia’s Putin at the Second Russia–Africa Summit in 2023, which he said laid a strong foundation for deepening bilateral relations.
He also lauded President Museveni for his leadership in fostering national independence and regional stability.
Both sides have had military exchange visits.
Defence minister Jacob Oboth Oboth thanked President Museveni for his consistent guidance and prioritisation of defence as a pillar of national development.
“We want to thank you for the strategic guidance and leadership that you give to our ministry and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. Your wise decisions in prioritising security and defence matters as a precondition for development continue to shape our success,” Oboth said, while expressing gratitude to the Russian government for its continued generosity and support, and reaffirming Uganda’s readiness to strengthen its defence ties with Moscow.