The Third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled for 28–29 October 2026 in Moscow, comes at a time when the global balance of power is undergoing profound change.
The emergence of a multipolar world, growing geopolitical competition, disruptions in global trade, and Africa's increasing strategic importance all make the summit more than just another diplomatic gathering.
It presents an opportunity for African leaders to pursue partnerships that advance their national interests.
For Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni's attendance should not be viewed through the lens of East versus West. Rather, it should reflect Uganda's long-standing foreign policy of engaging all partners without becoming dependent on any single power.
Uganda and Russia have maintained diplomatic relations for more than six decades. Russia has contributed to Uganda's human resource development through scholarships, military cooperation, health partnerships and technical training.
More recently, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology transfer, education, and regional security ahead of the Moscow summit.
Uganda has also sought an increase in Russian government scholarships for its students, underscoring the importance of educational cooperation.
Today, Uganda is pursuing an ambitious transformation agenda centred on industrialisation, value addition, oil and gas development, mineral beneficiation and science-driven economic growth.
Financing these priorities will require attracting investment from every willing partner.
The Russia–Africa Summit offers a platform to negotiate investments in sectors where Russia possesses significant expertise, including energy, nuclear science for peaceful purposes, mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering, transport infrastructure and higher education.
These are areas that align closely with Uganda's National Development Plan and Vision 2040 aspirations.
Beyond economics, the summit provides Uganda with another avenue to diversify its international partnerships.
In today's increasingly fragmented international system, overdependence on one bloc carries risks.
Countries across Africa are seeking broader diplomatic and economic relationships that provide greater resilience against global shocks.
Diversifying partnerships strengthens bargaining power and creates more options for trade, investment and technology exchange.
This is not unique to Uganda. Across Africa, governments are deepening relations with China, India, Türkiye, Gulf states, the European Union, the United States and Russia simultaneously.
Strategic diversification has become a hallmark of pragmatic foreign policy rather than ideological alignment.
President Museveni himself has consistently argued that Africa should pursue independent decision-making based on its own interests rather than external pressure. Attending the Moscow summit would be consistent with that philosophy.
The summit also offers Uganda an opportunity to advocate for reforms in global governance.
African leaders have repeatedly called for greater representation in international institutions, including the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions.
Russia has publicly expressed support for increased African representation in global decision-making forums, a subject expected to feature prominently during Russia–Africa engagements.
Equally important is the opportunity for business.
The summit is expected to bring together governments, investors, financial institutions and private sector leaders from across Russia and Africa.
Such forums facilitate business-to-business engagements, investment agreements and technology partnerships that can directly benefit Uganda's economy.
Critics will undoubtedly point to Russia's ongoing confrontation with the West and argue that attending the summit may strain Uganda's relations with Europe and the United States.
However, diplomacy is not a zero-sum game.
Uganda has maintained productive relations with Western countries for decades while simultaneously strengthening ties with China, India, Türkiye, the Gulf states and Russia.
Participating in one international forum does not imply abandoning another partnership.
Mature foreign policy is based on engagement with multiple partners while safeguarding national interests.
Indeed, many African countries increasingly reject the notion that they must choose sides in great-power competition.
Instead, they seek constructive engagement with all partners capable of contributing to their development.
President Museveni has consistently advocated strategic autonomy for Africa. That principle should guide Uganda's participation in Moscow.
Ultimately, Uganda's foreign policy should be judged not by which capitals it visits, but by the tangible benefits it secures for its people—more investment, better infrastructure, expanded markets, technology transfer, educational opportunities and jobs.
If the Russia–Africa Summit can advance those objectives, then Uganda should not hesitate to take its seat at the table.
In diplomacy, opportunities belong to those who show up. President Museveni's presence in Moscow would reaffirm Uganda's commitment to an independent, pragmatic and diversified foreign policy—one that places Uganda's national interest above global rivalries.
The writer is a Ugandan Journalist with passion for current African affairs
adamkungu7@gmail.com