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Defence minister Kiryowa hails Russia for supporting UPDF capability development
Kiryowa thanked the Russian side for its continued support, particularly in training and technology transfer. “I must thank you for the continuous training you have given our officers, and we are really excited about the next batch that is going,” he said.
Kiryowa Kiwanuka (L), the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs receiving a gift from Maj. Gen. Sergei Marchuk (R), the head of the Russian military experts in Uganda after a meeting at the Ministry of DefenCe and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. (UPDF Photo)
By: New Vision Reporter, Journalist @New Vision
DIPLOMACY
KAMPALA - Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has thanked Russia for its continued support in building the capabilities of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Kiryowa made the remarks while meeting with the Head of Russian Military Experts in Uganda, Maj. Gen. Sergei Marchuk, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, on Tuesday.
Both sides discussed progress of the ongoing military-technical cooperation projects between Uganda and Russia, including the development of maintenance and repair facilities, training of UPDF personnel and the construction of specialised training facilities.
Kiryowa thanked the Russian side for its continued support, particularly in training and technology transfer.
“I must thank you for the continuous training you have given our officers, and we are really excited about the next batch that is going,” he said.
Kiryowa thanked the Russian side for its continued support, particularly in training and technology transfer.
“I must thank you for the continuous training you have given our officers, and we are really excited about the next batch that is going,” he said.
A group picture of Kiwanuka Kiryowa, Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs (centre) Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, second left and the Russian military experts in Uganda. after a meeting at the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya. (Credit: UPDF)
He said the bilateral cooperation had contributed to knowledge and technological transfer, adding that Uganda values the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
The minister said Uganda and Russia had maintained longstanding relations since independence, describing the continuity of the relationship as important to both countries.
The meeting was attended by Undersecretary Finance and Administration, Edith Buturo; Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding; the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba; and representatives from the Russian delegation.
As part of the growing military cooperation, Russia in 2025 donated military and engineering equipment worth 53 million US dollars to Uganda.
Uganda is also host to a Russian helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul plant at the Nakasongola Air Force Base.
The minister said Uganda and Russia had maintained longstanding relations since independence, describing the continuity of the relationship as important to both countries.
The meeting was attended by Undersecretary Finance and Administration, Edith Buturo; Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding; the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba; and representatives from the Russian delegation.
As part of the growing military cooperation, Russia in 2025 donated military and engineering equipment worth 53 million US dollars to Uganda.
Uganda is also host to a Russian helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul plant at the Nakasongola Air Force Base.