UPDF urges Russia to support local defence manufacturing

KAMPALA - Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in a bilateral meeting with a visiting Russian delegation hailed Russia for its support for African independence.

Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) lauded Uganda’s military-technical partnership with Russia as both historic and strategically vital.

Mugira was speaking during the Russia–Uganda Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation meeting held at NEC Headquarters, according to a military statement issued.

Lt. Gen. James Mugira, the Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), during the Russia–Uganda Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation meeting held at NEC Headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala. (UPDF Photos)

“Russia has been a strategic ally of the African people, offering critical support to liberation movements during the struggle for independence from colonial rule,” he said.

Mugira highlighted Russia’s enduring contribution to military capacity building, which he said has helped African countries protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He appealed for deeper collaboration in defence manufacturing, calling on Russia to support local production efforts.

Anatoli Punchuk, head of the Russian delegation during the Russia–Uganda Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation meeting held at NEC Headquarters in Bugolobi.

“For our trusted allies like you, we request your support in building partnerships for the local production of military goods and services needed for the defence of our country,” Mugira said.

He noted that a truly equitable relationship between Uganda and Russia must involve support for African self-reliance. “Only then can we speak of true and meaningful independence,” he asserted.

Anatoli Punchuk, head of the Russian delegation said Russia’s ties with Uganda continue to grow stronger. Punchuk commended Uganda’s strides in peace and development, noting increased cooperation across political, economic, and business sectors.

UPDF National Enterprise Corporation senior officers and the Russian delegation during the Russia–Uganda Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation meeting held at NEC Headquarters in Bugolobi.

“In 2024–2025, we saw active delegation exchanges between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and Russian defence industry enterprises aimed at strengthening military-technical cooperation,” he said.

The meeting followed earlier sessions held in Moscow in July 2022 and June 2024, marking continued progress in cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting was also attended by NEC Luwero Industries General Manager Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi, Deputy UPDF Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. David Isimbwa, Artillery Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Daniel Kakono, Russian Ambassador to Uganda Vladlen Semivolos, delegates from the Russian Embassy, and senior officers from the UPDF.