President Museveni Commissions New Military Facilities Under Uganda-Russia Defence Cooperation

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially commissioned an array of advanced military facilities, training institutions, and marine security assets across the country. The developments highlight a growing defence cooperation framework between Uganda and the Russian Federation, aimed at boosting the operational readiness of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

The two-day commissioning tour saw the Commander-in-Chief visit several key installations. He began at the Mechanised Warfare College in Kalama, Mubende District, where he launched a digital multimedia training classroom designed for crews operating the BRDM-2MS armoured reconnaissance vehicle. Following the Mubende stop, President Museveni proceeded to Entebbe to launch crucial marine assets, including surveillance radar, patrol boats, a floating dock, and specialized firefighting equipment.

On the second day, the President visited the 154 Marine Battalion School at Kalangalo, urging military personnel to integrate artificial intelligence, automation, and modern scientific advancements into their daily operations. He emphasized that the armed forces must continually upgrade their technological capabilities to counter emerging security threats effectively.

The tour concluded at the Magamaga Cantonment in Jinja District, where President Museveni commissioned a major mechanised repair facility valued at $53 million. Donated by the Russian government, the facility is expected to significantly ease equipment maintenance challenges for the UPDF. The President expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the visiting Russian delegation, led by Lt. Gen. Aleksandr Kshimovskii, for the generous support.

While welcoming the modern hardware, President Museveni stressed the importance of local technology transfer. He challenged UPDF engineers and commanders to look beyond merely operating the imported machinery, advocating for future joint manufacturing ventures alongside Russian technical experts on Ugandan soil.

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka praised President Museveni for fostering robust diplomatic and military ties with Russia. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Kshimovskii reaffirmed Moscow’s steadfast commitment to supporting Uganda’s security sector and supplying essential military equipment moving forward.

For more details on the commissioning events, read the original report on State House Uganda.