Politics 28 October 2026 Nile Post

Speaker Oboth Pushes for Expanded Uganda Coffee Exports to Russia

Uganda is leveraging stronger parliamentary cooperation with Russia to boost coffee exports and address trade imbalances, following high-level diplomatic meetings in India. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/382429/speaker-oboth-seeks-to-boost-ugandas-coffee-exports-to-russia

Uganda is actively pursuing avenues to increase its coffee exports to the Russian market by fostering deeper legislative cooperation between the two nations. During recent diplomatic engagements, Ugandan officials emphasized that expanding trade remains a top priority for mutual economic growth.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi, India, Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth noted that Russia’s substantial demand for Ugandan coffee presents a prime opportunity to strengthen bilateral trade ties. He pointed out that while Russia supplies a significant portion of the wheat imported into Uganda, there is a clear need to balance the scales by getting more Ugandan coffee into the hands of Russian consumers.

The discussions led to a commitment from Russia’s State Duma to establish a dedicated group of deputies focused on relations with Uganda. Both sides also exchanged formal invitations for parliamentary delegations to visit Kampala and Moscow, creating a structured platform to pursue economic interests and legislative exchanges.

In addition to talks with Russian officials, Oboth met with Thailand’s House of Representatives Speaker, Sophon Saram, to address persistent trade imbalances. Data shared during the meeting revealed that Uganda exported a modest $383,530 worth of goods to Thailand in 2025, while importing products valued at $27.25 million.

Oboth believes that establishing a parliamentary friendship group with Thailand could similarly help bridge this trade gap through enhanced bilateral engagement. Uganda’s delegation in India notably included Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, showcasing a unified national front on critical foreign trade and diplomatic matters.

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