Uganda Pushes for Deeper Russia–Africa Trade, UN Reform at Cairo Forum

Uganda has pledged its commitment to strengthening long-standing cooperation with the Russian Federation and African partners, while calling for urgent reforms to global governance institutions to reflect the realities of the developing world.

Delivering Uganda’s national statement at the Second Russia–Africa Partnership Forum Plenary in Cairo on December 20, 2025, Uganda’s Head of Delegation, Ambassador John L. Mugerwa, emphasized Kampala’s support for expanded Russia–Africa engagement in trade, investment, peace, and sustainable development.

Amb. Mugerwa hailed the growing momentum in Russia–Africa relations, noting steady implementation of the 2023–2026 Action Plan across priority sectors including infrastructure, agro-processing, energy, and human capital development.

Ambassador Mugerwa was accompanied by Ambassadors Henry Mayega, Head of International Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Moses Kizige, Uganda’s ambassador to Russia.

He said Uganda looks forward to the Third Russia–Africa Summit, expected to be held on the African continent in 2026, as a key milestone in deepening the partnership.

Uganda welcomed the rise in trade between Africa and the Russian Federation, which now exceeds USD 30 billion annually, and urged greater private sector collaboration, joint ventures, and value addition in agriculture and natural resources to maximize mutual benefits.

Ambassador John L. Mugerwa (C) flanked by Ambassadors Henry Mayega (L) and Moses Kizige, Uganda’s ambassador to Russia

On global governance, Uganda called for comprehensive reforms of international institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to make them more equitable and responsive to developing countries. The country reiterated its support for Africa’s Common Position on UN reform as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

Amb. Mugerwa also acknowledged the growing role of inclusive multilateral platforms such as BRICS in advancing a more balanced global governance architecture and accelerating socio-economic development.

Addressing peace and security, Uganda highlighted the close link between stability and development, referencing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The delegation welcomed the operationalization of the African Union Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development, hosted in Cairo, while urging stronger efforts to address the root causes of conflict.

Uganda further expressed concern over escalating regional and global security challenges and called for the swift implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023) to ensure predictable financing for African Union-led peace support operations.

On economic cooperation, Uganda invited expanded Russian participation in Africa’s industrialization drive, particularly in manufacturing, transport and logistics, energy infrastructure, renewable energy, oil and gas technologies, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and digital transformation.

While recognizing the opportunities presented by digitalization, Uganda warned of persistent gaps in connectivity, skills, and governance that risk widening inequalities. The country called for stronger data governance systems, investments in public digital infrastructure, enhanced digital literacy, and better alignment of digital and trade policies.

Uganda concluded by reaffirming its commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with the Russian Federation and African partners in science, technology, innovation, and capacity building, with the goal of advancing peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.