President Yoweri Museveni has made it clear that Uganda is open and willing to trade with Russia despite criticism from western world.
The President’s statement comes after a high profile meeting with the Russian foreign affairs minister Sergey Lavrov, who is on a state visit to Uganda.
The meeting was held at State House Entebbe,with the aim of establishing bilateral ties between the two countries on space science, nuclear energy and other advanced technologies.
President Museveni said Uganda is no enemy with Russia despite the ongoing war with Ukraine. He says Uganda has no intention of choosing sides in the ongoing war, except to do trade with all countries.
“We want to trade with Russia. We want to trade with all countries of the world. We don’t believe in being enemies of somebody’s enemy, No! We want to make our own enemies, not fight other people’s enemies.” he says
The President stated that Russia has been a staunch supporter of the anti-colonial African movement for the past 100 years and has maintained a long-standing relationship with Uganda.
“How can we automatically be against those who have been with us for the last 100 years? We have forgiven those who did bad things to us and we are working with them, how about those who have never harmed us?” he added
He however explained that Uganda’s position on trade doesn’t justify the ongoing war in Russia, saying it would be more beneficial if there was stability in the war torn region.
“Progress and stability in Russia and Ukraine benefits Uganda. We are interested in a win-win situation because it is good for all the parties” Museveni added.
On his part, Lavrov said the bilateral ties with Uganda will major focus on developing technology and agriculture .
“We want to cooperate in the areas of agriculture and developing technologies that will help both countries progress. Russia has been friends with Uganda and cooperating especially in the security sector but Russia is interested in expanding this cooperation,” Lavrov said.
Sergey Lavrov arrived in the country on Monday evening and was welcomed by Uganda’s foreign minister Gen. Jeje Odong.
Lavrov praised what he described as “the responsible and balanced position taken by Uganda and other African states”, accusing the West of displaying a colonial mindset by demanding that Africa adopt an anti-Russian stance.