Uganda, Belarus Ink Cooperation Pacts As Minsk Opens Honorary Consulate In Kampala

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on Friday welcomed Belarus’ Prime Minister, Roman Golovchenko, at State House, Entebbe, where they oversaw the signing of key agreements to strengthen bilateral ties.

Golovchenko, who is in Uganda on an official visit at Museveni’s invitation, held a private meeting with his host before their delegations engaged in talks led by Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, and Belarus’ First Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Lukashevich.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in agriculture, trade, education, and defense. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, including agreements on Political Consultations, Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports, Military Technical Cooperation, Education, Food Security, Nuclear Energy, and Economic Cooperation.

“We discussed agriculture, including fertilizers and tractor production. Belarus also has expertise in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, and they agreed to train our scientists,” Museveni said.

To oversee the implementation of these MoUs, Uganda established a committee led by ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, with members from the Agriculture, Defense, and Trade ministries. The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) will also participate.

Museveni acknowledged Belarus and Russia’s historical role in Africa’s liberation struggles and emphasized the importance of the new partnerships.

Belarus views Uganda as a strategic East African partner and believes these agreements will enhance economic cooperation. “Africa has immense potential, and Uganda is progressing under great leadership,” Golovchenko said, assuring Belarus’ commitment to implementing the MoUs.

Golovchenko also congratulated Museveni on assuming the Non-Aligned Movement chairmanship and pledged Belarus’ support. He expressed gratitude for Uganda’s warm hospitality.

The development comes just a day after the Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on Thursday, 20th February, approved a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and service passport holders, allowing stays of up to 90 days annually.

Golovchenko also conveyed a message from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to President Museveni.

‘I am confident that through joint efforts we will be able to build a good foundation for bringing Belarus-Uganda relations to a new level,’ the message reads.”

Belarus’ also established a diplomatic presence with the opening of a consulate in Kampala with ministers Kahinda Otafiire and Lukashevich.

The State House meeting was also attended by ministers: Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa (Energy & Mineral Development), Hon. Francis Mwebesa (Trade, Industry and Cooperatives), Hon. Frank Tumwebaze (Agriculture, Animal Industries, and Fisheries), Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire (Internal Affairs),Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi (ICT and National Guidance), Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth (Defense and Veteran Affairs) and Hon. Muyingo John Chrysestom (Education & Sports).