ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has officially commissioned a series of new military facilities and equipment across the country, underscoring Uganda’s expanding defense cooperation with Russia. The commissioning ceremonies took place at key strategic locations, including Kalama, Entebbe, Kalangalo, and Magamaga.
A centerpiece of the new infrastructure is a $53 million mechanized repair facility located at the Magamaga military base. The state-of-the-art complex is designed to enhance the maintenance and operational readiness of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).
During the event, President Museveni expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people for their continued support in bolstering Uganda’s military infrastructure.
“Our cooperation with Russia should help us build local capacity, protect our sovereignty, and strengthen our ability to defend Uganda,” Museveni said in a statement released following the commissioning.
The President emphasized that the partnership is not merely about acquiring hardware, but about technological transfer and self-sufficiency. He stated that Uganda must move beyond being a mere consumer of foreign military hardware.
“It is crucial that Uganda does not only acquire good equipment but also learns to maintain, repair, and eventually manufacture it locally,” he stated, framing the new facilities as a stepping stone toward a domestic defense industry.
In addition to the focus on hardware and infrastructure, Museveni urged the military to embrace science and technology. He specifically highlighted the need for the UPDF to integrate modern advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation to modernize its defense capabilities and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
The commissioning highlights the deepening ties between Kampala and Moscow, particularly in the security sector, as Uganda continues to position itself as a key strategic partner for Russia in the East African region.
