Gen Kainerugaba Discusses Uganda-Russia Security Cooperation With Putin’s Envoy

The Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba last week met Russian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Vladlen Semivolos with whom they discussed matters of mutual interest.

According to a message from the General’s office, the two leaders discussed about the strong bilateral ties between their respective countries. 

“Last week, the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations met with the Russian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos. They discussed about the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and the Russian Federation and reviewed our countries military-technical cooperation agreements,” a message from Gen Kainerugaba’s office reads. 

The meeting which happened in Entebbe coincides with African leaders’ meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia in which they are trying to mediate between Russia and Ukraine amid the crisis that has entered a second year.

Former Prime Minister of Uganda, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and other African leaders held peace talks with the President of Russia, H.E Vladimir Putin, in a move aimed at ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The high-level meeting was held in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Dr. Rugunda is the Special Envoy representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the mediation process.

The delegation of African leaders from seven African countries is on a peace mission to resolve the conflict that has negatively affected the world economy.

The delegation led by South Africa President H.E Cyril Ramaphosa first held discussions with Ukraine’s President H.E Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy where they advised the warring parties to settle the war through negotiations and diplomatic means.

Gen MK Comments on Russia

In the recent past, Gen Kainerugaba has expressed his support for Russia and President Putin, noting that in Africa, “We only believe in President Putin when it comes to Eastern Europe. The West is wasting its time with its useless pro-Ukraine propaganda. Russia, China, Africa, India,  South America shall win in Ukraine. 75% of humanity shall win against 15%,” Gen Kainerugaba tweeted on March 30, 2023.

In a seperate tweet, Gen Kainerugaba again expressed his support for Russia, asserting that: “The majority of mankind (that are non-white) support Russia's stand in Ukraine.Putin is absolutely right! When the USSR parked nuclear armed missiles in Cuba in 1962 the West was ready to blow up the world over it. Now when NATO does the same they expect Russia to do differently?” the Ugandan General wondered. 

Relatedly, while commenting about Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, President Yoweri Museveni said he saw no reason to criticise Moscow, extolling Russian-African friendship during the visit of Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov last year.

Speaking alongside Lavrov then, President Museveni praised Russia as a partner in the struggle against colonialism going back a century.

“If Russia makes mistakes, then we tell them,” Gen Museveni said, citing his participation in student demonstrations against the crushing of the Prague Spring by the Soviet Union in 1968.