UGANDA EYES LOCAL MILITARY MANUFACTURING FOLLOWING $53M RUSSIAN AID PACKAGE

President Yoweri Museveni has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for helping Uganda strengthen its military, after commissioning facilities that include a mechanised repair centre at Magamaga under a donation package worth about Shs228 billion. Museveni said Uganda must develop the skills to service its military equipment and eventually manufacture it locally. “We must not only acquire good equipment but also learn to maintain, repair and eventually manufacture it here,” he said in a statement. The President commissioned military facilities and equipment at Kalama, Entebbe, Kalangalo and Magamaga this week under Uganda’s defence cooperation with Russia. The Magamaga repair facility forms part of a $53 million package of equipment and infrastructure donated by Russia. Other donations include a training simulator at the Mechanised Warfare College and a command post at Kalangalo under the Special Forces Command. “The gifts, if you study them, are all to ensure the survivability of our troops so that they fight better,” Museveni said. He asked the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba and other senior commanders to assess whether Uganda could afford to manufacture equipment locally. “The gift is a gift, but we need to do more. If the cost is affordable, we should invest and upscale,” he said. Museveni also urged the military to embrace artificial intelligence and automation as it upgrades its equipment and training. He said technological advances had improved reconnaissance and observation. “I have encouraged our military to embrace science and technology, including AI and automation, to strengthen our defence capabilities,” he said. He praised troops at Kalangalo for the speed at which they established their barracks and operational base, thanking the Russians “not only for the gift, but also the example.” Museveni said Uganda first bought Russian military equipment in 1967. “I am glad that we are back in full cooperation with our Russian friends,” he said. He said the partnership should equip Ugandans with technical skills and strengthen the country’s ability to defend itself. “Our cooperation with Russia should help us build local capacity, protect our sovereignty and strengthen our ability to defend Uganda.” Bakasumba said the new facilities would allow the UPDF to carry out extensive repairs, extend the service life of military equipment and develop technical skills among personnel. He urged commanders and technicians to manage the facilities properly and maintain them. “Guard this investment and ensure that it delivers the intended benefits to the UPDF and the country at large,” he said. Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka said changing security threats and advances in military technology required reliable equipment, trained personnel and stronger capabilities in surveillance, mobility, logistics and command. He thanked Russian military experts for their technical guidance and contribution to Uganda’s defence infrastructure. Speaking for the Russian delegation, retired Lt Gen Aleksandr Kshimovskii said the donation reflected mutual respect and longstanding relations between the two countries. He said the facilities would strengthen Uganda’s defence capacity and contribute to regional stability.