Russia-Africa co-operation key to sustainable development—Alupo

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Vice President Maj. (rtd) Jessica Rose Alupo Epel says Russia-Africa co-operation is key to sustainable development.

She made the remarks during Russia's Parliament (Federation Council) plenary session in Moscow on June 18, 2025.

The meeting was attended by Federation Council chairperson Valentina Matviyenko, deputy foreign affairs minister Mikhail Bogdanov, First Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee Audrey Ivanovich Denisov and Uganda’s ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, among other dignitaries.

(VPPU photo)

“Russia and Africa have embraced each other. Africa has welcomed Russia with open hands, in the economic, political and cultural spheres. This partnership, built on the basis of equality and mutual understanding, will lead Africa to achieve its long-desired sustainable development,” Alupo said.

Alupo, also the Katakwi District Woman MP, noted that Russia and Africa have enjoyed a history of close co-operation dating back to colonial times.

“Russia’s historical friendship built on the foundation of mutual respect, trust and solidarity resulted in the liberation of the African countries,” she noted.

The Vice President said Russia supported Africa in the fight against colonialism with diplomatic support, human resources and weapons. She also said Russia has supported Africa in the sectors of health, science education, security, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and infrastructure.

Alupo recalled that when Africa was caught up in the divided and complex situation during the Cold War, Russia stood side-by-side with them, adding that while others promoted exploitation and manipulation, Russia provided mutual support and solidarity.

Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakher, Minister of Foreign Affairs with Vice President Maj. (rtd) Jessica Rose Alupo Epel (right) during the meeting. (VPPU photo)

“Many Russians lost their lives in Africa, in defence of our interests, sovereignty and freedoms. May our friendship continue to grow from strength to strength,” she said, according to a statement released by her media team.

Uganda, Russia relations

Alupo reminded the Council that in September 2024, during the 4th Eurasian Women’s Forum in St Petersburg, Uganda and Russia had the opportunity to hold extensive bilateral discussions and that her visit has built upon those engagements, culminating in deeper collaboration between the two countries.

On bilateral relations, she informed the Council that Uganda and Russia enjoy excellent co-operation and friendship in many areas, including technology transfer, education, peace/security, trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange.

Alupo is optimistic that during the upcoming 3rd Session of the Intergovernmental Commission on economic, scientific, and technical co-operation to be held in Kampala, Uganda, the two countries will further strengthen their co-operation for the betterment of their people.

Earlier, Alupo laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier and visited the Moscow Kremlin State Historical and Cultural Museum.

Challenges

Alupo observed that the world today is witnessing unprecedented challenges, ranging from threats to peace, security, trade wars, tensions in regional geo-political hotspots, environmental degradation, climate change, poverty and development challenges, especially for the Global South.

The Vice President said in times like these, global cohesion and strong collaboration are needed.

She said that through important frameworks like BRICS, Russia and Africa will work together to champion the cause of the Global South.

The BRICS is a forum for co-operation among a group of leading emerging economies. The BRICS includes 10 countries - Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates.

Alupo thanked the Russian government for extending an invitation to Uganda to join the BRICS as a partner state.

She disclosed that Uganda acceded to the BRICS on January 1, 2025, and also participated in the recent BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Way forward

Alupo emphasised that it is a shared responsibility of the Russian Federation and African States in shaping a just and stable world order based on the principles of sovereign equality of States, non-interference in their internal affairs, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the rights of all people to self-determination.

She urged Russia and other nations to continue defending the interests of international peace and security, multilateralism and global governance, restoration of hope in the international systems and promotion of equity in the World Order.

At the bilateral level, the Vice-President urged the Federation Council and Russia to continue strengthening partnership with Uganda, especially in the areas of security, trade, tourism, investments, infrastructural development, agriculture/value addition, industrialisation, energy, science, technology and innovation, health and ICT.

Alupo reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment to working with the Russian Federation in addressing the global challenges through multilateral cooperation.

“We remain firm in our belief that all nations, large and small, have a shared responsibility to uphold international peace, protect common heritage, and defend the sovereignty and dignity of all people,” she said.

She called upon different countries to resist all forms of neo-colonialism, ensure outer space remains a realm of peace, and advocate for a just and equitable international order where no nation is left behind.