President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed his deep gratitude to the Russian Federation for their continued support to Uganda, following the donation of military equipment worth $53 million. The President described this contribution as a clear sign of the strong and growing relationship between Uganda and Russia, which he referred to as both ideological and strategic friends.
While addressing the nation, President Museveni revealed that the donated equipment would greatly boost Uganda’s defense capacity and enhance the operations of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). He emphasized that this kind of support is essential in ensuring that Uganda maintains peace, stability, and self-reliance in protecting its sovereignty.
In addition to receiving the military equipment, President Museveni officially launched the Military Mechanised Major Repair Facility at Gaddafi Military Barracks in Magamaga. The facility is expected to handle the repair and maintenance of various armored and mechanized vehicles used by the army. The President noted that this development is a significant step toward improving the UPDF’s technical capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign repair services.
He also announced that another military workshop is currently under construction in Entebbe, which will further strengthen the country’s defense infrastructure. According to him, these projects mark the beginning of Uganda’s journey toward a more self-sufficient and technologically advanced defense sector.
President Museveni went on to thank President Vladimir Putin and the people of Russia for their generosity and friendship. He said that the donation demonstrates Russia’s genuine commitment to supporting African nations in building capacity, security, and development.
“I want to thank President Putin for the military support; this support is very beneficial. What the Russians have done is just a glimpse of the good things they have achieved. Russia is a historic and very good friend of Africa,” President Museveni said.
He highlighted that the cooperation between Uganda and Russia is built on shared values of independence, mutual respect, and the desire for a fair global order. The President added that such partnerships are essential in helping African countries strengthen their defense and development sectors without external domination.
Museveni further pointed out that Russia’s history of standing with Africa dates back to the liberation struggles, where the Soviet Union supported many African countries in their fight against colonialism. He noted that this new chapter of cooperation continues that legacy, focusing on modern challenges such as technology transfer, training, and defense enhancement.
The President reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to maintaining and expanding its friendship with Russia and other nations that respect Africa’s sovereignty and share a vision for global equality and peace.
As Uganda continues to invest in defense infrastructure and local capacity-building, the new facilities in Magamaga and Entebbe will serve as important centers for innovation, repair, and maintenance of military equipment. The initiative also opens up opportunities for technical training and job creation for Ugandan engineers and mechanics.
I have received equipment worth $53 million as a donation from our ideological and strategic friends from the Russian Federation. I also launched the Military Mechanised Major Repair Facility at Gaddafi Military Barracks, Magamaga, and a workshop in Entebbe that is under… pic.twitter.com/0x8ILwcFNk
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) October 26, 2025
Museveni concluded by assuring Ugandans that the government remains focused on strengthening the country’s security systems, improving defense production, and fostering international partnerships that benefit the people of Uganda and the African continent as a whole.