Uganda Seeks Full BRICS Membership as Putin Touts Bloc as Engine of Global Transformation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has spotlighted the BRICS bloc as a key driver of a new global economic order, calling for enhanced cooperation among member states and their partners, which is strengthening its engagement with the grouping.

Speaking at the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin declared that BRICS economies have become central to the world’s growth trajectory, accounting for 40% of global GDP, up from just 20% in the early 2000s.

“It is a medical fact, as they say. It will happen inevitably, primarily due to the dynamic economies from the Global South,” Putin stated, revealing that the economic rise of BRICS is irreversible and foundational to the emerging multipolar world.

Putin emphasized that the bloc’s mutual trade turnover has already surpassed $1 trillion and will continue to grow. He noted that BRICS is setting benchmarks across key sectors — from nuclear energy and aviation to robotics and artificial intelligence — and is leading in “human-centric industries” aimed at improving living standards.

“Already today, BRICS countries are setting the benchmark in the development of so-called human-centric industries. The largest projects aimed at improving living environments are being launched,” he said.

In remarks that resonate with strategic ambitions toward South-South cooperation, Putin stressed that BRICS development is based on the principles of consensus, parity, mutual respect, and openness.

“These are the priorities that Russia has set for itself while implementing its own development agenda… openness to all who wish to join this effort,” he added.

His remarks come on the heels of a meeting between Uganda’s Foreign Minister Gen. Jeje Odongo Abubakhar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, advancing cooperation across bilateral and multilateral fronts, including Uganda’s aspirations within BRICS.

Gen. Odongo formally requested Russia’s support to facilitate Uganda’s transition from a BRICS Partner State to full membership. Lavrov welcomed the move, affirming that Russia stands ready to back Uganda’s membership ambitions.

Lavrov praised Uganda’s consistency in international engagement, referencing President Museveni’s attendance at the first two Russia–Africa Summits. He also voiced support for Uganda’s role in global diplomacy, including UN Security Council reforms, combating neo-colonialism, and leveraging its Non-Aligned Movement chairmanship to advance Global South interests. Jeje was part of a government delegation led by VP Jessica Alupo on an official visit to Moscow.

Putin also referenced the Kazan BRICS Summit, held in 2024, where 35 countries — representing nearly two-thirds of the world’s population and half of the global economy — expressed support for BRICS principles. Uganda was among the African states participating in the summit, highlighting its increasing engagement in the bloc’s agenda.

“All of this… constitutes the elements of a global growth platform, built on the key principles of BRICS,” Putin said.

He further announced Russia’s intention to institutionalize the “Open Dialogue” format, first launched earlier this year in Moscow, with over 100 countries participating. This initiative aims to build a global ecosystem for breakthrough ideas and shared development models — one that resonates with BRICS partners and aspiring members.

Putin concluded by urging joint action within BRICS and related platforms to respond to global challenges, declaring that no single nation can achieve progress “at someone else’s expense” in the current environment.

“The global challenges facing the modern world undoubtedly demand a global response. Only joint action within frameworks such as BRICS… can ensure the progress of civilisation as a whole,” he said.