Uganda and Russia to hold 3rd Intergovernmental Commission in Kampala

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Uganda and the Russian Federation will hold the Third Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation next week at the Speke Resort Munyonyo near Kampala city centre.

On Monday, Uganda’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Moses Kizige and Ambassador Vladlen Semivolos of the Russian Federation, held a formal launch at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Kampala.

The Intergovernmental Commission, which will include a Business Conference, will be held from 7-8 October 2025.

The objective of the Commission and Business Conference is to review the status of implementation of the agreed Minutes and Memorandum of Understanding signed during the 2nd Session that was held in Moscow, while at the same time, to handle pending MoUs that have slowed cooperation across several spheres between Uganda and the Russian Federation.

Uganda’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Moses Kizige. (Courtesy)

Addressing the media, Kizige gave a background to the effect that the Permanent Intergovernmental Commission held its first session in May 2015 and its second in May 2018 in Moscow.

“It will now occur at Munyonyo on the 7th and 8th of October, with delegations arriving on the 5th”, he announced.

Amb. Kizige said that active follow-up was required in order to reap tangible benefits from the cooperation framework.

Uganda was scheduled to host the third session, but suffered COVID-19 delays and related logistical challenges.

“Despite a steady pace, this 3rd intergovernmental commission and previous JPC, we need to actively follow up on MoUs signed across with various MDA so that we can benefit from one another”, said Kizige, according to a release from MoFA.

Amb. Kizige added that this achievement is significant for Uganda-Russia relations. “Our partnership has grown since 13th October 1962, when the Russian Federation opened its Embassy in Uganda. Uganda continues to benefit from scholarships and training opportunities in Russia.

“In support of this 3rd session”, he said, emphasis would be placed on technology, science, energy cooperation, trade, and investment cooperation.

Kizige remarked that Russia, the 4th largest economy in the world, has welcomed Uganda as a partner and imports Uganda's products such as coffee and minerals, creating an opportunity for Uganda to tap into the Russian economy.

It is also a destination for tourists and Ugandans seeking professional employment.  Kizige shared that the Business Conference on the sidelines of the Commission will attract Russian investors.

“We are currently processing over 23 MoUs, which will be signed in subsequent meetings. These efforts, pursued through commercial diplomacy, are expected to enhance Uganda’s geopolitical presence,” said Amb Kizige.

The Business Conference Forum will feature plenary and panel discussions, government business-to-business and business-to-business sessions, and business exhibitions aimed at fostering relations and further cooperation between Uganda and Russia.

Meanwhile, effective January 1, 2025, Uganda became part of the BRICS arrangement, bringing together countries with shared aspirations and a strong interest in trading. He noted that globally, more than 70% of resources belong to these countries, and Uganda will explore other areas of cooperation under the BRICS.

Ambassador Vladlen Semivolos of the Russian Federation. (Courtesy)

The Ambassador Semivolos, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Uganda and its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for their hard work in organising the meetings.

He noted that hosting the Commission in Uganda underscores the strategic importance of the trade, economic, and investment relations between the two countries. He reflected on the many Memoranda of Understanding already signed between Uganda and Russia in fields such as education, vocational training, health, agriculture, and other areas of cooperation.

He further expressed optimism that the agreements currently under discussion are in their advanced stages, underscoring Russia’s commitment to preparing tailored proposals and advancing talks on agricultural stock and machinery supply. In addition, Russia is ready to supply specialised machinery to Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture and establish a base for supplying and servicing equipment to support infrastructural development.