President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Russia for its longstanding military support to Uganda, highlighting completed military infrastructure projects and reaffirming the country's commitment to continued defence cooperation.

The President made the remarks while meeting a Russian delegation led by the Head of Russian Military Experts in Uganda, Maj. Gen. Sergei Marchuk, at State House, Entebbe, on the sidelines of Uganda’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.

Museveni described the relationship between Uganda and Russia as historic, tracing its roots to the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.

“This cooperation and friendship between Uganda and Russia is historical. It started in 1917 with the Bolsheviks,” Museveni said.

He thanked Russia for its continued support to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), particularly through military infrastructure projects and facilities in Magamaga, Entebbe, Kalangala and Karama.

“Thank you for your military support in Magamaga, Entebbe, Kalangala, and Karama,” the President said.

Museveni noted that the support was contributing to the strengthening of Uganda’s military capabilities and pledged to formally convey his appreciation to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I shall also write officially to President Vladimir Putin thanking him,” he said.

For his part, Maj. Gen. Marchuk said Russia had continued to support Uganda since the country attained independence. He thanked Museveni for receiving the delegation during the national celebrations and wished the President a long life.

“Russia has supported Uganda since its independence. We are grateful to the President for receiving us on Independence Day, such a special day, and wish Your Excellency a happy and long life,” Marchuk said.

The Russian military representative also reported that his team had fulfilled commitments made during a previous meeting with Museveni a year earlier, particularly regarding the completion of military infrastructure projects.

“We were received by the President in this same period last year, and we promised to complete all the construction. We have done our mission with great pleasure and honour,” he said.

Marchuk outlined several projects completed with Russian support to strengthen Uganda’s military infrastructure, equipment maintenance and operational capabilities. At Magamaga, the team constructed a park for arms and military equipment, while in Entebbe, it established a maintenance and repair centre for watercraft and a station for quick-response duty units.

At Port Alice, the Russian team equipped the Marines pier with a floating berth and technical equipment to support security operations. It also deployed a mobile command post at the Marines School in Kalangala.

At the Mechanised Warfare College in Karama, the team established a multimedia classroom for crews operating BRDM-2M armoured reconnaissance vehicles. According to Marchuk, the projects were part of Russia’s continued contribution to Uganda’s military infrastructure, equipment servicing and personnel support.

Looking ahead, Marchuk proposed extending Russian language training for Ugandan personnel, with the next phase scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026. He said the proposal included signing a supplementary agreement covering five years and providing five instructors.

“We propose to continue Russian language training from 1 December 2026 and to sign a supplementary agreement for five years with five instructors,” Marchuk said.

Museveni welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to sustaining cooperation with Russia, particularly in military infrastructure development, technical support and personnel training.

The meeting underscored the longstanding bilateral relationship between Uganda and Russia, with both sides expressing interest in continuing cooperation in areas related to defence infrastructure, military equipment maintenance and skills development.