Museveni Commissions $53M Russian-Backed Military Facilities, Urges UPDF to Embrace AI

President Yoweri Museveni has officially launched a series of state-of-the-art military facilities, equipment, and training installations following a high-level engagement with a visiting Russian military delegation. The bilateral discussions, held across October 21 and 22, focused heavily on marine security, military training, modern warfare technology, and heavy equipment maintenance to significantly boost the operational readiness of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

The two-day inspection tour spanned several strategic bases, beginning at the Mechanised Warfare College in Kalama, Mubende District, where the President unveiled a digital multimedia training classroom for BRDM-2MS armoured reconnaissance vehicle crews. Museveni then proceeded to Entebbe to commission marine operational assets, which included coastal surveillance radar, specialised boats, a floating dock, marine workshops, and firefighting gear.

The centerpiece of the commissioning tour took place at the Magamaga Cantonment in Jinja District, where President Museveni inaugurated a major mechanised repair facility valued at $53 million (about Shs230 billion). Donated entirely by the Russian government, the facility is designed to enhance Uganda’s self-reliance by streamlining the comprehensive overhaul and repair of heavy military vehicles and complex machinery domestically.

Addressing military leadership during the visits, President Museveni challenged the army command to aggressively incorporate cutting-edge technological advancements, automation, and artificial intelligence into everyday defence strategies to counter evolving modern threats. He also emphasized that Uganda must look beyond merely receiving equipment, urging local commanders to pursue joint manufacturing initiatives with Russian counterparts to build domestic production capacity.

The Russian delegation, headed by Lt. Gen. Aleksandr Kshimovskii, reaffirmed Moscow’s ongoing commitment to Kampala, assuring continued security assistance and technical backstopping. Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Kiryowa Kiwanuka praised the diplomatic ties for delivering tangible security benefits, while promising that the UPDF leadership will properly maintain the newly acquired infrastructure to maximize its operational lifespan.

Read the full report on the Daily Monitor.