By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
JINJA
President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday 22nd October 2026 commissioned a mechanized repair facility at Magamaga, part of a $53 million package of military equipment and infrastructure donated by the Russian Federation.
The facility is among several donations made under the framework of defense cooperation between the two governments. Other donations include a training simulator at the Mechanized Warfare College in Karama and a command post at Kalangalo under the Special Force Command.
President Museveni thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation for the donation, describing it as a valuable contribution to Uganda’s defence capabilities.
The President highlighted the role of technology in modern military operations, noting that technological advances had improved reconnaissance and observation capabilities.
He urged 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 affordability of local production and consider expanding the initiative if it proved economically viable.
“Uganda’s military ties with Russia date back to independence, with the first purchases of Russian equipment made in 1967, I am glad that we are back in full cooperation with our Russian friends, “said President Museveni.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, said the facilities reflected the value of Uganda’s long-standing bilateral relations with Russia and the benefits of continued engagement between the two countries.
Kiryowa said the assistance came at a time when security challenges and advances in military technology required reliable equipment, well-trained personnel and improved capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, mobility, command and control, logistics and training.
He expressed appreciation to 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 Bakasumba said the donation was a significant step towards strengthening the UPDF’s technical capacity, improving the maintenance and repair of military equipment, and enhancing the operational readiness of the forces. Lt Gen Bakasumba said the facilities will improve UPDF’s ability to conduct extensive equipment repairs, extend the service life of military assets and develop technical skills among personnel.
Speaking on behalf of the Russian delegation, Lt Gen (Rtd) Aleksandr Kshimovskii said the event reflected mutual interest, mutual respect and long-standing relations between the two countries, as well as friendship between their leaders.
He said the scale of the military technical assistance reflected the strength of the bilateral partnership and expressed confidence that the facilities will enhance the UPDF’s technical capabilities, strengthen Uganda’s defence capacity and contribute to regional stability.
