Uganda and the Russian Federation will hold the 3rd Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Scientific and Technical Cooperation on October 1st 2025 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The announcement was made this morning at a media launch hosted by Uganda’s Ambassador to The Russian Federation, H.E. Moses Kizige and H.E. Ambassador Vladlen Semivolos of the Russian Federation, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kampala.
The Intergovernmental Commission, which will include a Business Conference, will be held from 7-8 October 2025. The objective of the Commission and Business Conference is to review the status of implementation of the agreed Minutes and Memorandum of Understanding signed during the 2nd Session that was held in Moscow, while at the same time, to handle pending MoUs that have slowed cooperation across several spheres between Uganda and the Russian Federation.
Addressing the media, Amb Kizige gave a background to the effect that the Permanent Intergovernmental Commission held its first session in May 2015 and its second in May 2018 in Moscow. Uganda was scheduled to host the third session, but suffered COVID-19 delays and related logistical challenges. “It will now occur at Munyonyo on the 7th and 8th of October, with delegations arriving on the 5th”, he announced. Amb. Kizige said that active follow up was required in order to reap tangible benefits from the cooperation framework.
“Despite a steady pace, this 3rd intergovernmental commission and previous JPC, we need to actively follow up on MoUs signed across with various MDA so that we can benefit from one another”, said Kizige
Amb. Kizige added that this achievement is significant for Uganda-Russia relations. “Our partnership has grown since 13th October 1962, when the Russian Federation opened its Embassy in Uganda. Uganda continues to benefit from scholarships and training opportunities in Russia. “In support of this 3rd session”, he said, emphasis would be placed on technology, science, energy cooperation, trade, and investment cooperation.
Russia, the 4th largest economy in the world, has openly welcomed Uganda as a partner and has accepted Ugandan products such as coffee and minerals, creating an opportunity for Uganda to tap into the Russian economy. It is also a destination for tourists and Ugandans seeking professional employment. H.E. Kizige shared that Uganda also aims to attract Russian tourists, promoting in-bound travel through investment in tourism sites. “For this reason, we shall hold a Business Conference on the sidelines of the Commission for which we have encouraged Russian investors to come to Uganda”, he said, adding that the Business Conference and Private Sector Exhibition will be supported through a private sector session led by PACEID together with capable business partners.
“We are currently processing over 23 MoUs, which will be signed in subsequent meetings. These efforts, pursued through commercial diplomacy, are expected to enhance Uganda’s geopolitical presence,” said Amb Kizige.
The Ambassasdor also informed the media that effective 1st January 2025, Uganda became part of the BRICS arrangement, bringing together countries with shared aspirations and a strong interest in trading. He noted that globally, more than 70% of resources belong to these countries, and Uganda will explore other areas of cooperation under the BRICS.
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Uganda and its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for their hard work in organizing the meetings. Appreciating the dedication of his counterpart, Amb. Kizige, he expressed gratitude for the significant effort by the Ugandan Government to ensure effective outcomes in preparation for the Intergovernmental Commission.
Amb. Semivolos noted that hosting the Commission in Uganda underscores the strategic importance of the trade, economic, and investment relations between the two countries. He reflected on the many Memoranda of Understanding already signed between Uganda and Russia in fields such as education, vocational training, health, agriculture, and other areas of cooperation. He further expressed optimism that the agreements currently under discussion are in their advanced stages, underscoring Russia’s commitment to preparing tailored proposals and advancing talks on agricultural stock and machinery supply. In addition, Russia is ready to supply specialized machinery to Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture and establish a base for supplying and servicing equipment to support infrastructural development.
Expressing confidence that these engagements will foster meaningful development and strengthen cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, Amb. Semivolos noted that several Russian companies are interested in establishing a presence in Uganda. As part of this cooperation, a program is being developed to provide basic knowledge about his country.
The Business Conference Forum will feature plenary and panel discussions, government business-to-business and business-to-business sessions, and business exhibitions aimed at fostering relations and further cooperation between Uganda and Russia
