Alupo hails 'mutually beneficial' Uganda-Russia relations

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Vice-President Maj. (rtd) Jessica Rose Alupo Epel has hailed Uganda’s diplomatic relations with Russia as constructive and mutually beneficial.

Alupo echoed the sentiments during a visit to Russia today, June 17, 2025, while meeting Russian deputy foreign affairs minister Mikhail Bogdanov, First Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee Audrey Ivanovich Denisov, Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige and other dignitaries.

“It is a great honour for me to visit Russia and to further cement our excellent bilateral relations. Our two countries enjoy brotherly relations, and Uganda considers Russia a great and reliable partner and friend,” she said.

Alupo noted that Uganda’s cooperation with Russia in different fields and sectors has been impactful on their people.

Alupo, also the Katakwi district Woman MP, led a high-level Ugandan delegation that included ministers Gen. Abubaker Jeje Odongo (foreign affairs), Maj. Gen. (rtd) Jim Muhwezi (security) and Rose Lilly Akello (ethics and integrity).

Alupo said the two embassies, both in Moscow and Kampala, are active and are playing an important role in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.

She also hailed Russia for its progressive engagement with Africa, which began during the fight for independence and continues today.

“There are many positive and visible outcomes of this special relationship in all African countries,” Alupo noted.

She observed that the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, which was initiated by the Russian Government, has demonstrated the country’s interest in supporting and standing by Africa in the face of political, economic and social challenges, a result which is promising.

Alupo reiterated to Bogdanov, who is also Special Representative of Russia to the Middle East and Africa, that Uganda is grateful for Russia’s support in Uganda joining the BRICS.

“Uganda looks forward to continuing working with Russia through common platforms at the multilateral levels like BRICS and the Group of Friends in Defence of the United Nations Charter,” Alupo said.

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.

“Uganda is fully committed to the principles of BRICS and looks forward to making a contribution to these objectives, especially in defence of the Global South and Multilateralism. I wish to ask for further support from Russia to secure Uganda’s full membership to BRICS in the near future,” Alupo requested.

Alupo said Uganda supports Russian Foreign policies, especially in respect to maintenance of peace and security, respect of sovereignty and respect of international law and principles of the UN Charter, a reason why Uganda works with Russia in the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter, as well as in other international fora.

“Uganda looks forward to continuing working with Russia through common platforms at the multilateral levels like BRICS and the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter,” she said.