Museveni Urges Putin to Open Russian Market for Ugandan and African Goods

President Yoweri Museveni has urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin to open up the Russian market to a variety of Ugandan and African goods, including textiles, processed coffee, fish, fruits, leather, cereals, and vegetable oil. The appeal was delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who represented the Ugandan leader at the third Russia-Africa Summit.

Highlighting the economic potential of East Africa, Museveni noted that the East African Community (EAC) represents a combined market of 331 million people. He explained that regional integration has allowed local industries producing sugar, maize, dairy, and steel to thrive beyond limited domestic demand. Furthermore, he connected the EAC market to the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boasting a market of roughly 1.5 billion people.

To unlock this vast potential, the Ugandan president invited Russian investors to participate in vital infrastructure and energy projects. He emphasized the need for reliable transport networks, such as railways and water transport platforms, alongside power generation investments in hydro, solar, gas, and nuclear energy.

Reflecting on bilateral ties, Museveni acknowledged Russia’s historical backing of Africa’s liberation movements, stretching back to the 1917 communist revolution. He recalled notable cooperation projects like the establishment of Busitema University in Uganda and the Aswan High Dam in Egypt as lasting symbols of this enduring partnership.

Read more details in the original report by The Observer.