The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has praised the outgoing Russian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos, for strengthening strategic and military ties between Uganda and Russia during his tour of duty.
Speaking during a farewell meeting held at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe, Gen Muhoozi described the relationship between the two countries as “unbreakable,” saying it is anchored in a long-standing historical bond and a shared commitment to peace, security, and regional stability.
The CDF commended Ambassador Semivolos for his role in advancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in defence and military collaboration, which he said has contributed significantly to the modernization and professionalization of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
According to Gen Muhoozi, Russia’s technical support and specialized military cooperation have played an important role in enhancing Uganda’s national security architecture, including its capacity to respond to threats, secure borders, and execute key military operations effectively.
He said the continued military partnership between Kampala and Moscow reflects the depth of trust and strategic alignment that has developed between the two nations over the years.
In response, Ambassador Semivolos described his four years and five months in Uganda as fruitful, noting that relations between the two countries had grown stronger during his tenure.
The Russian envoy revealed that both countries are currently working on several cooperation frameworks that will be formalized through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and immigration.
He also disclosed that Uganda and Russia are in the final stages of concluding a reciprocal visa-waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, which will form part of a broader cooperation framework expected to be signed soon.
Gen Muhoozi wished Ambassador Semivolos success in his next diplomatic assignment and reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to further strengthening military and diplomatic engagement with Russia.
He noted that the growing number of high-level exchange visits between officials from both countries is evidence of the increasingly close relationship between Kampala and Moscow.
The farewell meeting was also attended by senior UPDF officers, including Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, SFC Chief of Staff Brig Gen Paul Namawa, Joint Staff Logistics Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, and Marine Brigade Commander Brig Gen Micheal Nyarwa.
