Uganda and Serbia Boost Defense and Economic Collaboration

Uganda and Serbia are poised to deepen their collaboration across several key sectors, including defense, agriculture, trade, and science and technology. This move is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to foster international partnerships that will support its economic transformation agenda.

During a high-level meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, marking the 65th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo, representing President Museveni, emphasized the need to enhance bilateral trade and investment. She called for the finalization of a draft Defense Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding to formalize collaboration between the defense institutions of both nations.

Furthermore, Vice President Alupo advocated for the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission. This body would provide a structured platform to expand bilateral trade and investment, which stood at an estimated €35 million (approximately Shs147 billion) in 2025. She noted that Ugandan exports accounted for €17.7 million and imports for €17.3 million of this total.

Uganda also reaffirmed its commitment to an existing memorandum of understanding on trade and agricultural cooperation. A key aspect of this is a partnership between Uganda National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and Serbia’s Novi Sad Crop Institute, focused on developing non-GMO seeds.

Vice President Alupo also stressed the importance of continued scholarships for Ugandan students in science-related fields, alongside greater cooperation in tourism and investment. These initiatives are aimed at bolstering Uganda’s science and technology development and creating opportunities in priority sectors.

The meeting, held during Uganda’s chairmanship of NAM, also saw Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic propose new initiatives to strengthen cooperation among member states, including digital platforms, a film festival, and a seminar for young diplomats.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)