Uganda and Russia have signed an agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports, in a move expected to ease official travel and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Moscow on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit by Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, and Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georgy Borisenko.
It provides for visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports from both countries, covering government officials and other persons travelling on official assignments.
The arrangement is intended to facilitate official visits, reduce travel-related procedures and create more favourable conditions for engagement between Kampala and Moscow.
However, the agreement will only take effect 30 days after both governments complete their respective internal procedures and formally notify each other through diplomatic notes.
Russian officials indicated that the approval process involves several institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, but pledged to expedite the necessary procedures, citing Moscow’s interest in deepening relations with Uganda.
Beyond the visa agreement, the two countries used the engagement to explore opportunities for expanding economic and commercial cooperation.
Russia expressed interest in increasing the presence of Ugandan coffee and other agricultural products in its market, while pledging support for efforts to improve access for Ugandan exports.
The discussions also covered trade and investment, with both sides recognising the need to provide private companies with clearer information about available business opportunities. The matter is expected to feature in discussions at the next meeting of the Uganda-Russia Intergovernmental Commission.
Information and communication technology was also identified as another potential area of cooperation.
On education, Russian officials noted that Uganda receives approximately 50 government-funded university scholarships annually, alongside additional opportunities taken up by Ugandan students through private sponsorship.
Addressing African and Russian foreign ministers in Moscow, Kasolo called for increased Russian investment in Uganda’s agro-industrialisation, mineral and energy development, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
He highlighted Uganda’s strategic position within the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying the country offers investors access to wider regional and continental markets.
Kasolo further emphasised that Uganda-Russia and broader Russia-Africa cooperation should deliver tangible economic benefits rather than remain centred on diplomatic engagements.
He called for a clear framework built around agreed targets, effective implementation and regular reviews to ensure commitments translate into measurable results.
“Uganda stands ready to work with the Russian Federation, the African Union and fellow African countries,” he said.
The latest developments signal growing efforts by Kampala and Moscow to broaden their longstanding diplomatic relations into trade, investment, education, technology and other areas of mutual interest.
