Uganda has received a donation of military equipment valued at $53 million (Sh6.8 billion) from Russia, as President Yoweri Museveni unveiled the package during a ceremony on October 26, 2025.
The hand-over coincided with the launch of a major new facility at the Gaddafi Military Barracks, Magamaga and the beginning of construction of a related workshop in Entebbe.
The event shows the growing strategic and ideological relationship between Uganda and Russia, and points to Moscow’s expanding diplomatic influence in Africa.
In a statement, President Museveni said, “I have received equipment worth $53 million as a donation from our ideological and strategic friends from the Russian Federation. I also launched the Military Mechanised Major Repair Facility at Gaddafi Military Barracks, Magamaga, and a workshop in Entebbe that is under construction. I want to thank President Vladimir Putin for the military support; this support is beneficial. What the Russians have done is just a glimpse of the good things they have achieved. Russia is a historic and very good friend of Africa.”
According to reporting from Uganda’s media, the donated equipment reportedly includes engineering and mechanised assets such as obstacle‐clearers, trench‐diggers, patrol boats, workshops and a coastal station.
The launch of the new repair facility at Magamaga is intended to strengthen Uganda’s capacity to maintain and upgrade its mechanised and armoured units domestically, reducing reliance on external servicing.
Museveni placed the donation within a broader historical and ideological narrative. He traced Uganda’s relationship with Russia back to the liberation struggles of Africa, pointing to the 1917 Russian revolution as a catalyst of hope for colonised nations.
“Our relationship with Russia is not just defence and security, it is ideological and strategic,” he said.
The event was attended by senior Ugandan defence officials, including the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, and Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces, as well as the Russian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos.
The ambassador reaffirmed Russia’s long-standing friendship with Uganda, saying that Moscow was among the first nations to recognise Uganda’s independence.
Analysts say the donation marks one of the largest single military support packages Uganda has received from a bilateral partner in recent years.
It is also part of Russia’s broader strategy to deepen its footprint in Africa, using defence and military cooperation as a channel to build diplomatic relationships, access resources, and gain strategic influence.
