Russia, Uganda need each other
Diplomatic relations between Uganda and the then Soviet Union, currently Russian Federation, were established in 1964 after Uganda’s attainment of independence and since then the relations have and continue to be warm and cordial.
Diplomatic relations between Uganda and the then Soviet Union, currently Russian Federation, were established in 1964 after Uganda’s attainment of independence and since then the relations have and continue to be warm and cordial. These relations are basically in economic and social spheres.
Uganda and Russia have often supported each other on many international issues of mutual concerns. There is no doubt that both nations enjoy strong political relations but there are other areas which need to be enhanced further particularly in economic and trade spheres.
Uganda has always looked at Russia as a partner in scientific and technological co-operation as Russia is very much advanced in these areas.
Since 1998, the number of Ugandans has been reducing and the reason for this is the economic hardships resulting from economic reforms that started in early 1990s. During the Soviet Union, many Ugandans were trained in the USSR in various professions. The number of students has been reduced drastically since 1991 with the reduction of state subsides to institutions of higher learning.
Presently there are twenty one (21) Ugandan students in various institutions of higher learning and out of these nine (9) are on government scholarship. Ten (10) are casual workers in Moscow city.
There are other Ugandans studying in Ukraine on self-sponsor and the number is increasing every year. Presently there are about 240 students undertaking various specialties on self sponsor or contract programme.
The Uganda Embassy in Moscow like other Uganda Missions abroad, has been contributing to the fulfillment of the mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is that of initiating, formulating and implementing by propagating foreign policy of the country bearing in mind that our ultimate objective is to promote and protect the country’s interests.
The key issues for us in Moscow:
lTo seek and attract investments as this is expected to promote particularly the transfer of technology much needed for Uganda’s development;
lIdentify markets for Uganda’s traditional and non-traditional products;
lPromote and publicise Uganda as a unique tourist destination and an area of opportunity for tourist operators in the Russian Federation and CIS;
lHelp in the acquisition of skills and expertise which is relevant to Uganda’s development;
lEncourage cultural linkages and exchanges through scientific and educational programmes;
lProvide Consular services to both Ugandans and nationals of the countries of accreditation;
lMonitoring events and trends as they unfold in our respective regions of accreditation and purporting the real and possible challenges and opportunities for Uganda Government and the business community.
Investment and trade between the two countries leaves a lot to be desired. If the two countries sign the trade and economic co-operation agreement, trade between the two will be boosted from the current US $1,312,540 annually to probably US $5,000,000 per annum by 2008. Tobacco, cotton, tea and flowers are the likely growth areas.
Currently Uganda business community imports truck tyres, agricultural implements, refrigerators, medical equipment etc from Russia and CIS on an individual basis. Russia and some other members of the CIS have continued to co-operate with Uganda to support all development efforts though not so much in direct financial assistance. A number of Russian medical specialists are employed in various medical services in Uganda.
Investment flows from Russia to Uganda have been negligible since the fall of communism. Since the re-opening of our Mission in Moscow in 2003, a number of Russian companies have shown interest to invest in Uganda in various sectors. So far one company has already established a cotton ginning plant in Pallisa and is due for commissioning.
Opportunities to develop economic links exist. Russia with a population of 160 million has a potential market for Uganda’s organic agricultural products.
Despite its social and economic problems due to the 1990s’ economic reforms, Russia still remains a great military power and her civil industrial sector still dominates in Eastern Europe. Russia has abundant natural resources such as oil, gas, aluminum and steel.
Russia is a strong member of the United Nations Security Council and her opinion is sought in resolving major international cases and conflicts in a peaceful manner.
Since the fall of communism, the country has and continues to experience acts of terrorism mainly from the separatist Chechen rebels in the South of the country which Moscow administration has been firm and determined to fight. Uganda also share the same experience with LRA and the two countries have always supported each other especially on eradication of terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering etc both at national and international level.
Ends
Uganda and Russia have often supported each other on many international issues of mutual concerns. There is no doubt that both nations enjoy strong political relations but there are other areas which need to be enhanced further particularly in economic and trade spheres.
Uganda has always looked at Russia as a partner in scientific and technological co-operation as Russia is very much advanced in these areas.
Since 1998, the number of Ugandans has been reducing and the reason for this is the economic hardships resulting from economic reforms that started in early 1990s. During the Soviet Union, many Ugandans were trained in the USSR in various professions. The number of students has been reduced drastically since 1991 with the reduction of state subsides to institutions of higher learning.
Presently there are twenty one (21) Ugandan students in various institutions of higher learning and out of these nine (9) are on government scholarship. Ten (10) are casual workers in Moscow city.
There are other Ugandans studying in Ukraine on self-sponsor and the number is increasing every year. Presently there are about 240 students undertaking various specialties on self sponsor or contract programme.
The Uganda Embassy in Moscow like other Uganda Missions abroad, has been contributing to the fulfillment of the mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is that of initiating, formulating and implementing by propagating foreign policy of the country bearing in mind that our ultimate objective is to promote and protect the country’s interests.
The key issues for us in Moscow:
lTo seek and attract investments as this is expected to promote particularly the transfer of technology much needed for Uganda’s development;
lIdentify markets for Uganda’s traditional and non-traditional products;
lPromote and publicise Uganda as a unique tourist destination and an area of opportunity for tourist operators in the Russian Federation and CIS;
lHelp in the acquisition of skills and expertise which is relevant to Uganda’s development;
lEncourage cultural linkages and exchanges through scientific and educational programmes;
lProvide Consular services to both Ugandans and nationals of the countries of accreditation;
lMonitoring events and trends as they unfold in our respective regions of accreditation and purporting the real and possible challenges and opportunities for Uganda Government and the business community.
Investment and trade between the two countries leaves a lot to be desired. If the two countries sign the trade and economic co-operation agreement, trade between the two will be boosted from the current US $1,312,540 annually to probably US $5,000,000 per annum by 2008. Tobacco, cotton, tea and flowers are the likely growth areas.
Currently Uganda business community imports truck tyres, agricultural implements, refrigerators, medical equipment etc from Russia and CIS on an individual basis. Russia and some other members of the CIS have continued to co-operate with Uganda to support all development efforts though not so much in direct financial assistance. A number of Russian medical specialists are employed in various medical services in Uganda.
Investment flows from Russia to Uganda have been negligible since the fall of communism. Since the re-opening of our Mission in Moscow in 2003, a number of Russian companies have shown interest to invest in Uganda in various sectors. So far one company has already established a cotton ginning plant in Pallisa and is due for commissioning.
Opportunities to develop economic links exist. Russia with a population of 160 million has a potential market for Uganda’s organic agricultural products.
Despite its social and economic problems due to the 1990s’ economic reforms, Russia still remains a great military power and her civil industrial sector still dominates in Eastern Europe. Russia has abundant natural resources such as oil, gas, aluminum and steel.
Russia is a strong member of the United Nations Security Council and her opinion is sought in resolving major international cases and conflicts in a peaceful manner.
Since the fall of communism, the country has and continues to experience acts of terrorism mainly from the separatist Chechen rebels in the South of the country which Moscow administration has been firm and determined to fight. Uganda also share the same experience with LRA and the two countries have always supported each other especially on eradication of terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering etc both at national and international level.
Ends