Uganda, Russia sign pact to stimulate bilateral cooperation

By John Odyek

Uganda and Russia have signed an agreement that will see the two countries enhance cooperation in the economic, social, water, environment and political spheres.

The agreements will see Russia support Uganda in areas such as oil, technology, road construction, geological exploration, power projects and water purification.

The agreements were signed Tuesday at the ministry of foreign affairs head offices in Kampala.

Ag. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem (left) with Russian Vice Minister Minister of Telecom and Mass Communication, Alexey Volin, after signing Uganda-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation at the Foreign Affairs Ministry boardroom in Kampala on Tuesday. PHOTO/Denis Dibele

The agreement was dubbed the Uganda-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.

Okello Oryem, acting minister for foreign affairs signed on behalf of Uganda. He was accompanied Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, minister for water and environment,  Bright Rwamirama, state minister for agriculture and Dr Moses
Ebuk, Uganda's ambassador to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.

"The agreement will cover area of cooperation in agriculture, water, security and scientific research. We will have detailed discussions about the various projects," Oryem said.

Alexey Volin, deputy minister of telecom and mass communications signed on behalf of the Russian government. Volin was accompanied by Russia's  ambassador to Uganda Sergey N. Shishkin.

Volin said the agreement will pave the way for the opening of Russian technology to come to Uganda.

"The refinery to be built by Russian companies will be a big technology cluster for Uganda. The cluster will include fertilizer industries, food processing industries, water treatment and bio products," Volin said.