VP Alupo Meets Top Russian Minister, Asks For Moscow’s Support For Uganda To Become A Full Member Of BRICS Soonest!

Maj. Jessica Alupo (left) and H.E Mikhail Bogdanov

By HENRY MULINDWA

Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo has asked Russia to support Uganda’s desire to fully join the BRICS bloc, moving away from its current status of being a partner state.

According to Alupo, Uganda is fully committed to the Principles of BRICS and looks forward to making a contribution to its objectives, especially in defense of the Global South and Multilateralism.

The Vice President is currently in Moscow-Russia on the official invitation by Valentina Matviyenko, the Speaker of the Federation Council [the upper chamber of the Russian parliament].

“We thank the Russian Government for extending an invitation to Uganda to join the BRICS as a Partner State. I am happy to inform Your Excellency that Uganda acceded to the BRICS on 1st January 2025, and also participated in the recent BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil” she said during a meeting with H.E Mikhail Bogdanov, special representative of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa/Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Russian Federation.

Alupo who is also Katakwi Woman MP, asked for further support from Russia to secure Uganda’s full Membership to BRICS in the near future.

“As a friend, Uganda understands and supports Russian Foreign policies, especially in respect to maintenance of peace and security, respect of sovereignty and respect of international law and principles of the UN Charter” she said.

The Vice President explained that because of such friendship, it is the reason Uganda works closely with Russia in the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter, as well as in other international fora.

She said the country looks forward to continue working with Russia through common platforms at the multilateral levels like BRICS and the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.

She hailed the cordial relations that exist between the two countries, adding that Uganda considers Russia a great and reliable partner and friend.

Alupo noted that Uganda’s cooperation with Russia in the different fields and sectors has been impactful on its people.

“Your Excellency, our two Embassies both in Moscow and Kampala, are very active and are playing a very important role in promoting our bilateral relations. We applaud Russia for its progressive engagement with Africa, which began way back during the fight for independence, and continues today” she said, adding that there are many positive and visible outcomes of this special relationship in all African countries.

The Vice President said that the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which was initiated by the Russian Government, has demonstrated the country’s keen interest to support and stand by Africa in the face of political, economic and social challenges. Alupo noted that the results of this Framework are indeed promising.

While in Russia, VP Alupo is expected to hold bilateral talks with Speaker Valentina, visit various historical sites in Russia in addition to addressing the Federation Council tomorrow-Wednesday. She’s also expected to visit the Alexander Gardens to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier among other sites.

The VP is being accompanied by a Delegation which includes Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maj. Gen.(Rtd) Jim Katugugu Muhwezi Minister of Security, Akello Rose Lilly- Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Amb. Moses Kizige-Ambassador of Uganda and other Government Officials.