KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples ‘ Defence Forces, His Excellency Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Museveni has commissioned a mechanised major repair facility at Magamaga, part of a $53 million package of military equipment and infrastructure donated by the Russian Federation.
The facility is among several donations made under the framework of defence cooperation between the governments of Uganda and Russia. Other donations include a training simulator at the Mechanised Warfare College in Karama and a command post at Kalangalo under the Special Force Command.
President Museveni thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation for the donation, describing it as a valuable contribution to Uganda’s defence capabilities.
“The gifts, if you study them, are all to ensure the survivability of our troops so that they fight better,” President Museveni said.
The President highlighted the role of technology in modern military operations, noting that technological advances had improved reconnaissance and observation capabilities,
The Commander-in-Chief urged the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba and other senior military leaders to assess the affordability of local production and consider expanding the initiative if it proved economically viable.
“The gift is a gift, but we need to do more. If the cost is affordable, we should invest and upscale,” he said.
“The gift is a gift, but we need to do more,” he said. “If the cost is affordable, we should invest.”
President Museveni said he was impressed by the speed with which troops at Kalangalo setup their barracks and an operational base, and thanked the Russians “not only for the gift, but also the example.”
The President noted that Uganda’s military ties with Russia date back to independence, with the first purchases of Russian equipment made in 1967.
“I am glad that we are back in full cooperation with our Russian friends,” he said, adding that the UPDF had pledged to keep the equipment in good condition and use it efficiently.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon Kiryowa Kiwanuka, said the facilities reflected the value of Uganda’s long-standing bilateral relations with Russia and the benefits of continued engagement between the two countries.
“Today’s ceremony is important not only because we are commissioning new facilities, but because it reflects the value that Uganda attaches to this long-standing bilateral relationship with the Russian Federation,” he said.
Hon. Kiryowa said the assistance came at a time when security challenges and advances in military technology required reliable equipment, well-trained personnel and improved capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, mobility, command and control, logistics and training.
He expressed appreciation to the Russian Federation and its military technical experts for their professional expertise, technical guidance and contribution to the development of Uganda’s defence infrastructure.
The UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Bakasumba said the donation was a significant step towards strengthening the UPDF’s technical capacity, improving the maintenance and repair of military equipment, and enhancing the operational readiness of the forces.
Lt Gen Bakasumba said the facilities will improve UPDF’s ability to conduct extensive equipment repairs, extend the service life of military assets and develop technical skills among personnel.
He urged commanders and technical personnel to ensure proper management, effective utilisation and regular maintenance of the facilities.
“Guard this investment and ensure that it delivers the intended benefits to the UPDF and the country at large,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Russian delegation, Lt Gen (Rtd) Aleksandr Kshimovskii said the event reflected mutual interest, mutual respect and long-standing relations between the two countries, as well as friendship between their leaders.
He said the scale of the military technical assistance reflected the strength of the bilateral partnership and expressed confidence that the facilities will enhance the UPDF’s technical capabilities, strengthen Uganda’s defence capacity and contribute to regional stability.
In October 2025, President Yoweri Museveni expressed Uganda’s gratitude to the Russian Federation while receiving an earlier consignment of military and engineering equipment under the bilateral defence cooperation framework,
The ceremony was attended by the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, Members of Parliament, Cantonment, Service, Brigade and Division commanders, members of the Joint Staff, Commandants and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), among other invited guests.
