Uganda’s deepening ties with Russia, including a pledge made at the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit to establish the country as a regional hub for the maintenance of previously delivered military equipment and the production of modern small arms, reflect the nation’s strategic goal of bolstering its defense capabilities and regional influence.
A large Russian military delegation visited Uganda, where it met with the head of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) on August 22. The delegation, sent by Russian defense minister Andrey Belousov, was tasked with “strengthening ties between the countries’ armed forces”, the UPDF said.
The visit follows Ugandan army chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s trip to Moscow. The African country’s Special Forces Command also held meetings with senior Russian military officials recently, according to the UPDF.
The relationship between Moscow and Kampala dates back to the 1960s. Uganda purchases Russian military equipment, including jets, helicopters, artillery and reconnaissance equipment.
In January this year, Uganda commisioned a new helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Nakasongala Air Base in preparation for the arrival of the Mi-28 Havoc. The Mi-28 Havoc combat helicopter was developed by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and it’s Unit cost is around $18 million. It made its first flight in 1982.
Uganda flies around five Mil Mi-24 Hind gunships, a cousin of the more capable Mi-28N helicopter. The East African country recently increased its defence spending to step up to it’s neighbor and regional rival Kenya, amid a new arms race in the region.
Between 2012 and 2021, Uganda’s military expenditure rose by 203 percent, and it’s military expenditure reached Sh123.1 billion ($1.066 billion) last year, an 8.3 percent increase from Sh113.7 billion ($984.7 million) in 2020.