Uganda and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation during a high-level meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Jeje Odongo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held in Moscow.
The talks, which took place on the sidelines of Vice President Jessica Alupo’s official working visit to Russia, focused on preparations for the upcoming 3rd session of the Uganda–Russia Intergovernmental Commission, Uganda’s bid for full BRICS membership, and expansion of cooperation in health and labor.
Gen. Odongo confirmed Uganda’s readiness to host the Intergovernmental Commission meeting in Kampala and revealed that several draft Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) had already been exchanged, with some cleared for signing.
He proposed new areas of cooperation, particularly in health requesting Russian support in mobile laboratories and regenerative medicine, including stem cell research.
The Ugandan minister also requested a bilateral agreement to facilitate externalisation of skilled labor to Russia and appealed for support in acquiring property in Moscow for a permanent Ugandan chancery.
Lavrov welcomed the proposals and praised Uganda’s continued engagement, including President Museveni’s participation in past Russia-Africa summits.
He pledged support for Uganda’s diplomatic expansion in Moscow and said Russia would consider the labor agreement proposal.
On the multilateral front, Odongo formally requested Russia’s backing for Uganda’s full membership in BRICS. Lavrov responded by welcoming Uganda as a BRICS Partner State and pledged support toward full membership.
He also commended Uganda’s efforts in promoting regional peace and urged it to use its current chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to push for Global South priorities, including reforms at the UN Security Council.
The ministers reaffirmed their countries’ strong ties and agreed to fast-track pending agreements ahead of the Intergovernmental Commission session.