Uganda Is Committed To Working With Russia In Tackling Threats To World Peace – Says VP Alupo 

Maj. Jessica Alupo addressing the Russian parliament

By HENRY MULINDWA

Ugandan Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo has assured the Russian Federal Council [parliament] of Uganda’s unwavering commitment to working with the Russian Federation in addressing the prevailing global challenges.

According to Alupo, the world currently faces unprecedented challenges ranging from threats of Peace, Security, Trade wars, and Tensions in regional geo-political hotspots. Other pressing challenges she cited include Environmental degradation, climate change, poverty and development challenges, especially for the Global South.

Addressing the Federal Council plenary session chaired by Chairperson Valentina Matviyenko, Alupo noted that in such situations facing the world, both global cohesion and strong collaboration are needed.

“The Russian Federation, and more so this Honorable Council, has a very important role and contribution to make in this respect” she said adding that through important frameworks like BRICS, Russia and Africa will work together to champion the cause of the Global South.

The VP who also represents Katakwi district in parliament, made the remarks as she shared her thoughts on two important subjects including; The future of Russia –Africa Cooperation and The Role of Russia in the Global Arena.

She emphasized that both Russia and African States have a shared responsibility in shaping a just and a stable world order. She said the world order should be based on the principles of sovereign equality of States, non-interference in their internal affairs, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the rights of all people to self-determination.

Alupo urged Russia, together with other like-minded nations, to continue defending the interests of international peace and security, multilateralism and global governance, the restoration of hope in the international systems and promotion of equity in the World Order.

“We remain firm in our belief that all nations-large and small have a shared responsibility to uphold international peace, to protect our common heritage, and to defend the sovereignty and dignity of all people. We must act in a concerted manner to resist all forms of neo-colonialism, to ensure outer space remains a realm of peace, and to advocate for a just and equitable international order where no nation is left behind” she said and also called for renewal of their resolve to build a world defined by mutual respect, equal opportunity, and enduring peace.

The Vice President used this platform to push for a strong partnership between Russia and Uganda especially in the areas of Security, Trade,Tourism, Investments and Infrastructural development. Other areas for continued cooperation include Agriculture/Value addition, Industrialization, Energy, Science, Technology and Innovation, Health and ICT.

FUTURE OF RUSSIA-AFRICA PARTNERSHIP

On this topic, Alupo noted that Russia and Africa have enjoyed a history of close cooperation dating back from the colonial time. She said that Russia supported Africa in the fight against colonialism with diplomatic support, Human resources/Personnel, Arms/Weapons and that the country continues to support Africa in the areas of Health, Science education, Security, I.C.T., Infrastructure.

She added that when Africa was caught up in the divided and complex situation during the Cold War, Russia stood side-by-side with the black continent.

“While others promoted exploitation and manipulation, Russia provided mutual support and solidarity. Many Russians lost their lives in Africa, in defence of our interests, our sovereignty and our freedoms. To this I say; may our friendship continue to grow from strength to strength” she said, adding that since then to date, Russia and Africa have embraced each other.

She said Africa has welcomed Russia with open hands, in the economic, political and cultural spheres and that this partnership, built on the basis of equality and mutual understanding, will lead Africa to achieve its long desire for sustainable development.

Alupo commended Russia for the framework of the Russia – Africa Partnership Forum, which she said has sowed seeds of future cooperation between with the continent.

She said that Uganda and Africa are looking forward to the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit with high expectations on the continued symbiotic relationship. Alupo also hailed the strong relations between President Museveni and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Vladmirovich Putin.