Russia. Uganda. They got the next gift from Russia. The president's son offered help from the army in the war with Ukraine

Russia donated the Uganda army equipment for mapping lands worth $ 3 million. This is another sign of expanding Russian influence in Africa and the desire to expand them from the countries of the Sahel region to the eastern part of the continent.

“This technology is crucial for our planners. Uganda and Russia maintain strong relations – especially regarding military cooperation, dating back (times of obtaining) independence by Uganda (in 1962)” – said General Paul Paul Pamawa, commander of the special forces of the Ugandian army (UPDF).

Russia, by strengthening the relationship with Ugandastrives to extend his influence from the western and central Sahel to East Africa.

In Uganda, this task is facilitated by the Chief Commander of the Army of this country, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since January 1986, and will be 80 in September. Considered as the successor of the head of the Cainerugaba state, he does not hide the admiration for Vladimir Putin, whom he offered support in attacks last year Ukraine.

Uganda also abstained in her voice in the United Nations on the full -size invasion of Russia to Ukraine, including in February 2024, when Moscow was called to withdraw troops from the attacked country.

Donation and import of weapons from Russia

Russia, taking advantage of the situation, focused on the Museven's family and last year donated $ 100 million supervised by Kainerugaba, which – as calculated by the magazine “Africa Report” – it accounted for almost 10 percent. the defense budget of this country.

This donation was a continuation of the prior Russian-Embigents cooperation, including the creation of a fighter conservation center by the Kremlin, inaugurated by Museveni in 2022.

As with many African countries, Uganda became addicted to Russian weapons. Data on the Stockholm International Institute of Pokój Research (SIPRI) indicate that from the beginning of the 21st century this country spent $ 1.08 billion on military equipment, of which 63 percent. This amount was allocated to import from Russia.

Not only military support

Russia also helps the Ugandan government to control society. Last year, the Russian company Joint Stock Global Security Company (JSGSC) received a contract for installation in Ugandan cars monitoring vehicle traffic in real time.

Critics of this undertaking warn that this is a tactic used by authoritarian regimes to suppress opposition. They accuse Museven of preparing for next year's universal elections in which his son would take power.

Russia has long been exporting supervision technology to African countries as part of its “soft strength” strategy, offering solutions that strengthen autocratic governments and at the same time deepen their dependence on the Kremlin.