Uganda is considering a five-year Russian military training deal that would expand language education for its armed forces as the country strengthens defence cooperation with Moscow.
The proposal was presented during a meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and a Russian military delegation at State House in Entebbe on October 9.
According to Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), Russian officials proposed extending an existing programme that teaches Russian to Ugandan military personnel.
The proposed arrangement would involve five instructors, with classes potentially resuming on December 1, 2026.
Museveni welcomed the proposal, although a final agreement has not been announced.
Uganda-Russia military training deal under discussion
Major General Sergei Marchuk, who leads Russian military experts working in Uganda, presented the proposal during the meeting.
The five-year arrangement would continue an existing training programme rather than establish a new Russian military mission in Uganda.
Russian-language instruction is intended to support personnel development and cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces.
In September, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) held a graduation ceremony for military personnel who had completed Russian-language training.
The ceremony highlighted the continuing educational relationship between Uganda and Russia.
According to Business Insider Africa, the latest proposal forms part of wider cooperation involving military infrastructure, equipment and technical training.
Russia supports military infrastructure projects in Uganda
During the October 9 meeting, Marchuk also provided updates on military infrastructure projects supported by Russia.
He said several facilities promised during earlier discussions with Museveni had been completed.
These included an equipment park at Magamaga and a watercraft maintenance and repair centre in Entebbe.
Russian support also covered facilities intended for rapid-response units.
At Port Alice in Kalangala, Russia supplied a floating berth and technical equipment for marine security operations.
A mobile command post was also installed at the Marines School in the area.
Meanwhile, Russian specialists established a multimedia classroom at the Mechanised Warfare College in Karama.
The classroom supports training for personnel operating BRDM-2M armoured reconnaissance vehicles.
The projects reflect the technical and logistical aspects of Uganda’s defence relationship with Moscow.
Uganda receives Russian military equipment
Russia has also supplied military and engineering equipment to Uganda.
According to Military Africa, the UPDF had received equipment worth approximately $53 million, equivalent to about 184 billion Ugandan shillings, as of 2025.
The equipment included engineering and naval assets intended to support military operations and technical capabilities.
A handover ceremony involving Russian-donated equipment took place at Gaddafi Military Barracks in Magamaga in October 2025.
The latest discussions suggest that military education and infrastructure support remain important areas of cooperation.
However, the proposed language-training agreement has not yet been formally concluded.
Museveni highlights historical ties with Russia
During the meeting, Museveni thanked Russia for its military assistance and described relations between the two countries as longstanding.
He linked their historical relationship to the period of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.
The Ugandan president also said he intended to write to Russian President Vladimir Putin to express appreciation for Moscow’s continued support.
Marchuk, meanwhile, thanked Museveni for receiving the Russian delegation on Uganda’s Independence Day.
He said Russia had maintained military cooperation with Uganda since the country’s independence.
Russia maintains defence relationships across Africa
The proposed agreement comes as Russia continues to develop military and security partnerships with several African countries.
These relationships vary in scope and can include equipment supplies, technical assistance, training and infrastructure development.
For Uganda, Russian-language training could help military personnel communicate with Russian specialists and work with Russian-supplied equipment.
The programme also illustrates how military cooperation can extend beyond equipment transfers to include education and technical skills.
Uganda has not announced whether the proposed five-year agreement will be signed or when a final decision will be made.
For now, the discussions signal continued interest in maintaining defence cooperation between Kampala and Moscow.