President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed Belarus' Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko to Uganda on Thursday, to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. The leaders held high-level discussions at State House, Entebbe, focusing on economic and strategic cooperation.
The meeting resulted in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in key sectors, including agriculture, trade, education, and security. Agreements on visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders and military technical cooperation were also finalized.
“We talked about agriculture. Belarus is a producer of many things, and working with them, we can produce more, such as fertilizers,” President Museveni said. He noted that Uganda could also benefit from Belarus' advanced tractor technology and localize production to reduce dependence on imports.
Prime Minister Golovchenko emphasized Belarus’ commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the signed agreements. “Africa is a continent with much potential. Uganda, inclusive, is an excellent country governed by an excellent leader, and by your wise leadership, Uganda has witnessed socio-economic progress,” he said.
Belarus considers Uganda a key partner in East Africa and aims to expand cooperation beyond the signed agreements. President Museveni highlighted Uganda’s long-standing ties with the former Soviet Union, recognizing Belarus' role in supporting Africa’s anti-colonial struggles.
A special committee led by Uganda’s ICT Minister, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, will oversee the implementation of the agreements. Other ministers on the committee include Frank Tumwebaze (Agriculture), Jacob Oboth Oboth (Defense), and Francis Mwebesa (Trade).
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko recently approved a visa waiver for diplomatic and service passport holders between the two countries, allowing short-term travel without visas.
During his visit, Prime Minister Golovchenko congratulated President Museveni on assuming the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and pledged Belarus’ support for Uganda’s leadership in the global forum.
The meeting was attended by senior Ugandan officials, including ministers from key economic and security sectors. Both nations expressed optimism about deepening their partnership in the years ahead.