The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has commended the Russian Federation for its continued support towards strengthening the military capabilities of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.

Kiryowa made the remarks during a meeting with the Head of Russian Military Experts in Uganda, Major General Sergei Marchuk, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.

The meeting focused on the progress of ongoing military-technical cooperation projects between Uganda and Russia, including the development of maintenance and repair facilities, training of UPDF personnel and the construction of specialised training facilities.

Kiryowa thanked the Russian side for its continued support, particularly in training and technology transfer.

“I must thank you for the continuous training you have given our officers, and we are really excited about the next batch that is going,” Kiryowa said.

He said the cooperation between Uganda and Russia had contributed to knowledge and technological transfer, adding that Uganda values the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

Kiryowa noted that Uganda and Russia had maintained longstanding relations since independence, describing the continuity of the relationship as important to both countries.

Undersecretary Finance and Administration, Edith Buturo; Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding; the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba; and representatives from the Russian delegation formed part of the meeting.

“Russia is our ally, not distracted”

A few weeks ago, Kiwanuka reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing defence cooperation with Russia at a meeting with a delegation from the Russian Armed Forces at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.

“We will maintain our relationship with Russia, and we will remain engaged. We are not going to get distracted,” said Kiwanuka.