Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has inaugurated new military facilities developed with Russian support, including a heavy equipment repair centre valued at more than $53 million.
The facilities form part of growing defence cooperation between Uganda and Russia.
The project includes military training equipment, vehicle simulators and naval hardware at several locations across Uganda.
Museveni thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for the assistance. However, he also stressed that Uganda must develop its own military technology and manufacturing capabilities.
The announcement highlights Uganda’s efforts to strengthen its defence infrastructure while reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers.
Uganda opens new military facilities with Russian support
Museveni commissioned the facilities at several military locations, including Kalama, Entebbe, Kalangalo and Magamaga.
The projects include equipment designed to improve military training, maintenance and operational readiness.
Among the installations is a simulator for BRDM-2MS armoured vehicles.
Such simulators allow military personnel to practise operating equipment in controlled training environments.
The cooperation also includes naval hardware and other military infrastructure.
However, one of the largest investments is a heavy equipment repair centre in Magamaga.
According to Museveni, the facility is worth more than $53 million.
The centre is intended to strengthen Uganda’s ability to maintain and repair military equipment.
Museveni thanks Putin for defence assistance
President Museveni publicly expressed appreciation to Russia for supporting the projects.
In a statement reported by Business Insider Africa, he thanked Putin and the Russian people for their assistance.
The Ugandan leader specifically highlighted the investment in the Magamaga repair centre.
The announcement reflects continued military cooperation between Kampala and Moscow.
Russia has maintained defence relationships with several African countries through equipment supplies, technical assistance and military training.
For Uganda, the latest projects aim to improve the country’s existing military infrastructure.
However, Museveni made clear that foreign assistance should support domestic development rather than create permanent dependence.
Uganda seeks to manufacture its own military equipment
Museveni urged Uganda’s armed forces to focus on developing local technical expertise.
He argued that purchasing advanced military equipment is not enough.
Instead, Uganda must also learn how to maintain, repair and eventually manufacture such equipment domestically.
The president identified artificial intelligence and automation as important technologies for future military development.
According to Museveni, mastering these technologies could strengthen Uganda’s long-term defence capabilities.
He also called for greater investment in technical knowledge and local production.
The goal is to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for essential military maintenance and equipment.
However, the government has not announced a specific timetable for achieving domestic manufacturing targets.
Russia-Uganda cooperation focuses on technology transfer
The latest projects highlight the role of technology transfer in Uganda’s defence strategy.
Military equipment often requires specialised maintenance, replacement parts and trained personnel.
Without local technical capacity, countries may depend on foreign manufacturers for repairs and upgrades.
The new Magamaga facility could help Uganda address some of these challenges.
Meanwhile, training simulators may improve technical skills among military personnel.
Museveni believes such investments can support the development of a more self-reliant defence sector.
He also stressed the importance of protecting Uganda’s sovereignty through stronger domestic capabilities.
Nevertheless, the extent of future Russian assistance has not been detailed.
Uganda aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers
The inauguration comes as Uganda seeks to modernise its military infrastructure.
The government has identified equipment maintenance and technical training as important priorities.
By developing local repair facilities, Uganda could reduce the need to send military equipment abroad for servicing.
Furthermore, domestic technical expertise may help improve the long-term use of existing equipment.
However, establishing a local defence manufacturing industry requires sustained investment, skilled workers and access to technology.
For now, the Russian-backed facilities represent a step towards Uganda’s stated goal of greater military self-reliance.
Museveni has presented the cooperation as an opportunity to strengthen national capabilities while maintaining Uganda’s defence partnership with Moscow.