Beyond the "Military Amity": Russia's Strategy in Uganda—Offloading Old Stock and Expanding Influence

A report by Africa Report reveals the escalating military relationship between Russia and Uganda, which serves as a model for Moscow’s strategy on the African continent, especially amid its growing international isolation due to the war in Ukraine.

A Deep Strategic Military Partnership

The relationship goes beyond simple arms deals to include extensive technical and training support:

• Massive Shipments: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni received a new Russian military shipment worth $53 million in October 2025, including specialized equipment like trench excavators and patrol boats. This follows a previous $100 million shipment in 2023.

• Regional Hub: In 2022, Uganda inaugurated the first Russian military helicopter maintenance center in sub-Saharan Africa, in collaboration with the Russian company "Borey-Helicopters," solidifying Uganda's role as a regional technical support hub.

• Training and Exchange: The partnership includes broad expert exchange, with Russian engineers training local personnel, and the notable inclusion of the Russian language in Ugandan military training curricula.

Mutual Drivers Behind the Partnership

Analysts suggest the relationship clearly serves both parties' interests:

Party	Motivation / Goal
Russia	1. Expanding Influence: Consolidating its military and defense presence in East Africa amid international isolation.  2. Offloading Inventory: "Emptying its old inventory" of Soviet-era equipment unsuitable for modern battlefields (like Ukraine), with Uganda being an ideal market.
Uganda	1. Capacity Building: Enhancing self-maintenance capabilities through Russian repair centres and training.  2. Diversifying Partners: Diversifying its military supply sources and strategic partners while maintaining cooperation with the West and other nations.

• Denial of Political Nature: Ugandan Army Spokesperson Col. Henry Obbo denied that the relationship is political or ideological, asserting it is based on "mutual interests" and is the fruit of a "long-term partnership."

Museveni describes this relationship as "a test of what we might want more of."