President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned a mechanised major repair facility at Magamaga in Jinja District as part of a $53 million military equipment and infrastructure support package donated by the Russian Federation under Uganda-Russia defence cooperation.

The facility is among several military installations and equipment commissioned by Museveni during engagements at Kalama, Entebbe, Kalangalo and Magamaga on October 21 and 22, 2026. The projects are intended to strengthen the technical capacity, equipment maintenance and operational readiness of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).

In a post on his social media account, Museveni thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people for their continued support, highlighting the importance of developing Uganda’s capacity to maintain, repair and eventually manufacture military equipment locally.

“We must not only acquire good equipment but also learn to maintain, repair and eventually manufacture it here,” Museveni said.

The President also urged the military to embrace advances in science and technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, as part of efforts to strengthen Uganda’s defence capabilities, protect national sovereignty and improve the country’s ability to defend itself.

At Magamaga, Museveni described the Russian donation as a valuable contribution to the country’s military preparedness, emphasising that the equipment and facilities were intended to improve the survivability and effectiveness of troops during operations.

“The gifts, if you study them, are all to ensure the survivability of our troops so that they fight better,” he said.

The President called on the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, and other senior military leaders to assess the cost of producing similar equipment locally and determine whether expanding domestic production would be economically viable.

“The gift is a gift, but we need to do more. If the cost is affordable, we should invest and upscale,” Museveni said.

He also commended the Russian contribution for providing an opportunity for Uganda to develop technical expertise and learn from the processes involved in establishing and operating military facilities.

Museveni said Uganda’s military relations with Russia date back to the early years of independence, noting that the country first purchased Russian military equipment in 1967.

“I am glad that we are back in full cooperation with our Russian friends,” he said, adding that the UPDF had committed to maintaining the donated equipment properly and ensuring its efficient use.

The Russian-supported projects also include a training simulator at the Mechanised Warfare College in Kalama and a command post at Kalangalo under the Special Force Command. Facilities and equipment were also commissioned in Entebbe as part of the wider defence cooperation programme.

The initiatives cover military training, equipment maintenance, marine operations and command capabilities, reflecting the scope of cooperation between Kampala and Moscow.

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the facilities demonstrated the importance Uganda attaches to its longstanding bilateral relationship with Russia.

He noted that changing security challenges and advances in military technology require reliable equipment, skilled personnel and improved capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, mobility, command and control, logistics and training.

Kiwanuka thanked the Russian Federation and its military technical experts for their professional expertise, technical guidance and contribution to the development of Uganda’s defence infrastructure.

The UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, said the donation would strengthen the military’s technical capacity, improve equipment maintenance and repair, and enhance operational readiness.

He explained that the Magamaga facility would enable the UPDF to undertake extensive repairs, extend the service life of military assets and develop technical skills among military personnel.

Bakasumba urged commanders and technical teams to ensure the facilities are properly managed, regularly maintained and used effectively to achieve their intended purpose.

“Guard this investment and ensure that it delivers the intended benefits to the UPDF and the country at large,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Russian delegation, retired Lt Gen Aleksandr Kshimovskii said the commissioning reflected mutual respect, shared interests and longstanding relations between Uganda and Russia.

He said the military technical assistance demonstrated the strength of the bilateral partnership and expressed confidence that the facilities would enhance the UPDF’s technical capabilities, strengthen Uganda’s defence capacity and contribute to regional stability.

The latest developments follow an earlier consignment of military and engineering equipment worth $53 million received by Uganda from Russia in October 2025 under the bilateral defence cooperation framework.

The commissioning activities were attended by the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Isanga Nakadama, Members of Parliament, senior military commanders, members of the Joint Staff, commandants and resident district commissioners, among other invited guests.

The facilities form part of Uganda’s efforts to strengthen its military technical infrastructure while exploring opportunities to build local expertise in equipment maintenance, repair and manufacturing through international defence cooperation.