miMinister Reveals Uganda Joined Brics to Counter Western Sanctions, Adapt to Global Geopolitical Changes

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem, has revealed that Uganda’s decision to join BRICS was driven by global geopolitical changes and the need to protect the country from sanctions imposed unilaterally by the United States and the European Union.

Oryem made the remarks while addressing Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee during the presentation of the 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper. The issue was raised by Kyadondo East MP Muwada Nkunyingi, who sought clarification on the circumstances under which Uganda joined BRICS and whether the membership carries financial obligations.

“The United States and European Union impose sanctions and expect other nations to comply, failing which, penalties or further sanctions follow,” Oryem explained.

He added ; “Recently, these powers have started freezing assets of countries without UN resolutions, which is a breach of international practice. Uganda cannot stand by idly in the face of such developments; joining BRICS positions us to adapt to the changing world order.”

Addressing concerns about financial implications, Oryem stated that Uganda’s membership in BRICS does not come with financial obligations. He noted that the decision was discussed and approved by the Cabinet, following which President Museveni directed the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs to notify the BRICS Secretariat of Uganda’s intention to join.

“It does not impose financial obligations. This was a Cabinet decision, and I am not certain whether parliamentary approval was necessary,” Oryem clarified.

Nkunyingi, however, questioned the lack of transparency in determining Uganda’s international engagements, particularly regarding subscription to organizations.

“We must understand how Uganda chooses where to subscribe and whether joining BRICS has any financial implications,” he stated.

BRICS, a coalition comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has increasingly attracted countries seeking alternatives to Western-dominated economic and political structures. Uganda’s decision to join marks a significant shift in its international relations strategy.

Uganda officially became a BRICS partner state on January 1, 2025, joining eight other nations in this expanded alliance. Nine of thirteen nations accepted the invitation to be part of the Global South Bloc.

Uganda, the only African country, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan as well as Uzbekistan are now officially partner members from the first day of 2025.

Uganda now has preferential access to a combined market of over three billion consumers, enhancing trade prospects for key exports like coffee and tea. The partnership offers Uganda opportunities to seek financing outside traditional Western credit institutions, potentially reducing dependency on entities that often impose stringent conditions.

By aligning with BRICS, Uganda positions itself to leverage these advantages, aiming for sustainable economic growth and development.