Museveni Commissions New Military Facilities under Uganda-Russia Defence Pact

President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned several new military facilities, training infrastructure, and equipment developed under the growing defence partnership between Uganda and Russia. The rollout followed a two-day inspection programme alongside a visiting Russian delegation headed by Lieutenant General Aleksandr Kshimovskii.

The events began at the Mechanised Warfare College in Kalama, Mubende District, where the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF launched a digital multimedia training classroom. This setup is designed to prepare military crews for operating BRDM-2MS armoured reconnaissance vehicles before they transition to hands-on practical training.

From there, the President moved to Entebbe to commission marine operational assets and surveillance infrastructure at the 15 Marine Brigade Pier. The installations feature eight new boats, a floating dock, surveillance radar, marine workshops, firefighting equipment, and field ambulances aimed at boosting maritime security on Uganda’s water bodies.

Addressing personnel at the 154 Marine Battalion School in Kalangalo, President Museveni urged the armed forces to fully embrace artificial intelligence, automation, and modern science to counter contemporary security challenges. He emphasised that technological advancements must be paired with continuous technical skills development.

The two-day tour concluded at the Magamaga Cantonment in Jinja District. There, the President officially inaugurated a mechanised major repair facility valued at $53 million, donated by Moscow under the bilateral defence framework.

Expressing gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Museveni highlighted that Uganda must look beyond mere equipment acquisition. He proposed exploring joint ventures with Russian experts to manufacture military hardware locally in the future, fostering domestic industrial capacity and technology transfer.

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Kiryowa Kiwanuka praised the President for strengthening diplomatic and military ties with Russia, while Lieutenant General Kshimovskii reaffirmed Moscow’s ongoing commitment to supporting Uganda’s defence requirements. Read more about these developments on Nile Post.