Uganda, Russia Deepen Ties at Intergovernmental Commission in Kampala

Uganda and Russia have renewed their commitment to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors following the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, held in Kampala.
The two-day meeting brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and private sector players from both countries to review progress and set new priorities in areas including education, trade, agriculture, health, and technology.

Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, said the meeting marked a major step in expanding educational and scientific cooperation.

Russia has increased its annual scholarship offers to Ugandan students from 10 to 50, with plans to raise the number to 100 by the end of the year.

The two countries are also strengthening collaboration between Makerere University and Russia’s Higher School of Economics (HSE University) in areas such as digital governance, research, and sports science.

“Our discussions were structured around Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan, with a focus on building human capital and creating opportunities,” Ambassador Kizige said.

Uganda is also expanding its agricultural exports to Russia, particularly coffee, pineapples, avocados, and cocoa beans.

Russia has expressed readiness to buy all cocoa beans produced in Uganda, while Uganda continues to import wheat, fertilizers, and other industrial goods from Russia.

Kizige said the growing trade fits within the Parish Development Model (PDM), which aims to uplift household incomes through sustainable market access.

“If we increase trade volumes with Russia, we shall boost government revenue, which supports the Parish Development Model,” he said.

The two governments also agreed to boost collaboration in digital transformation and cybersecurity.

Kaspersky Lab will help Uganda develop a national cybersecurity system and train local experts, while Virtus Global Security will implement data digitalization projects in the transport sector.

In media, both sides agreed to include the RT (Russia Today) channel in Uganda’s SIGNET digital multiplex by the end of 2025, allowing round-the-clock broadcasting in Uganda. The deal also covers content cooperation and media training programs.

In health, cooperation between Russia’s Rospotrebnadzor and Uganda’s Ministry of Health was praised for improving infection control, laboratory capacity, and epidemiological surveillance.

Russia proposed introducing digital oncology detection systems using software developed by JSC USAR+, which would enhance early diagnosis of cancer and other diseases in Uganda.

Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Jeje Odongo, reiterated that Uganda’s relationship with Russia is based on mutual respect and not on geopolitical alignment.

“Uganda’s goal is not to take sides in global rivalries but to remain part and parcel of the international community,” Odongo said.

“We pursue our interests first as Uganda, second as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, and thirdly as part of the Global South.”

He added that Uganda’s partnership with Russia complements existing ties with China, the European Union, and the United States, as the country seeks balanced, two-way trade relationships.