BREAKING: Russia Donates $53 Million Military Hardware to UPDF
MAYUGE, Oct. 26, 2025 — The Government of Russia has donated military and engineering equipment worth 53 million US dollars to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), a move President Yoweri Museveni described as a continuation of the historic friendship between the two nations.
President Museveni, also Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, received the donation at the College of Logistics and Engineering, Magamaga, in Mayuge District on Sunday. The equipment includes obstacle clearers, trench diggers, patrol boats, workshops, and a coastal station, all aimed at improving the operational efficiency of the UPDF.
“These equipments, all of them are good…what the Russians have done is ‘okuroza’,” President Museveni said, highlighting that mechanized trench digging would save time and manpower compared to manual methods.
The President traced Uganda-Russia relations back to the Soviet era, emphasizing that the partnership is not only about defence but also ideological and strategic. He thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for continued support and urged officials to follow up on cooperation in other areas, including humanitarian projects.
Russian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos, said the donation reflects a strong and growing partnership, recalling the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit where Presidents Museveni and Putin laid the foundation for deeper ties. He noted that Uganda’s recognition as a BRICS partner state would enhance trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.
The project is being implemented in two phases: the first involves delivery of equipment, while the second will see the construction of a military maintenance and repair facility in Magamaga, a patrol boat storage site, and a modern floating pier in Entebbe, expected to be completed by September 2026.
Minister of Defence, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, thanked President Museveni for his strategic guidance and Russia for the valuable donation. Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, representing the Chief of Defence Forces, praised Russia’s historical role in supporting African liberation and said the equipment will enhance UPDF’s operational capabilities and safety.
During the ceremony, ten Russian dignitaries were awarded the National Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal, while selected UPDF generals and officers received the Russian Ministry of Defence Medal in recognition of efforts to strengthen Uganda-Russia relations.
President Museveni also launched the Military Mechanised Major Repair Facility at Gaddafi Military Barracks, Magamaga, and highlighted ongoing construction of a workshop in Entebbe.
“I want to thank President Putin for this military support. Russia is a historic and very good friend of Africa,” Museveni said.
The event was attended by senior UPDF officers, members of the Russian delegation, and top Ministry of Defence officials, underscoring the strategic and multifaceted nature of Uganda-Russia relations.
