Ugandan ministers, diplomats and other government officials travelling to Russia on official business will no longer need visas after Kampala and Moscow signed an agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
The agreement is expected to ease official travel between the two countries and strengthen diplomatic engagement as Uganda and Russia seek to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, agriculture and technology.
It was signed in Moscow by Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Georgy Borisenko, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit.
The visa exemption covers holders of diplomatic and service passports travelling on official duties. However, it will not take immediate effect, as the two countries must first complete their respective internal approval procedures and exchange diplomatic notifications. The agreement will become operational 30 days after these requirements are fulfilled.
Russian officials said the approval process involves several institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, but pledged to fast-track it, citing Moscow’s interest in strengthening relations with Kampala.
Beyond diplomatic travel, the discussions exposed growing interest by both countries in expanding economic ties, particularly in agricultural exports, investment and technology.
Russia expressed interest in increasing the presence of Ugandan coffee and other agricultural products in its market, while pledging support for initiatives aimed at improving access for Ugandan exporters.
The two delegations also discussed ways of improving trade and investment opportunities for businesses from both countries, with emphasis on providing private-sector players with clearer information about available opportunities.
The discussions could be taken further at the next meeting of the Uganda-Russia Intergovernmental Commission.
Information and communication technology was also identified as another area where the two countries could deepen cooperation.
In education, Russian officials noted that Uganda receives about 50 government-funded university scholarships annually, although more Ugandans also pursue studies in Russia through private sponsorship.
Addressing African and Russian foreign ministers in Moscow, Kasolo called on Russia to increase investment in Uganda’s priority sectors, including agro-industrialisation, mineral and energy development, infrastructure and manufacturing.
He argued that Uganda’s strategic geographical position makes it an attractive investment destination, offering businesses access to wider regional and continental markets through the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Kasolo also challenged both sides to ensure that their cooperation produces measurable results rather than remaining at the level of diplomatic engagements.
He called for a framework with agreed targets, effective implementation and regular performance reviews to track progress.
“Uganda stands ready to work with the Russian Federation, the African Union and fellow African countries,” he said.
The agreement adds to ongoing efforts by Kampala and Moscow to broaden their diplomatic and economic relationship, with both sides looking to translate political engagement into practical opportunities for businesses, students and government institutions.
