(Kampala) – Uganda’s partner status with the BRICS group, an organization representing the world’s emerging economies, is expected to be finalized in December 2024. The announcement comes after a meeting between Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen Jeje Odongo, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi on November 9, 2024.
During the meeting, Lavrov sought Uganda’s approval to finalize its admission into the BRICS as a partner state. BRICS, which originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, and China (known as BRIC), expanded in 2010 with the inclusion of South Africa. It now aims to challenge the economic and political influence of wealthier countries, especially in North America and Western Europe.
This year, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Iran were welcomed as full members, joining the ranks of countries with voting rights within the bloc. Uganda, however, is joining the group as a partner state. In October 2024, Uganda, along with 12 other nations, was admitted into the BRICS family, making it one of the key partner states in the East African region.
At the forum in Sochi, Lavrov emphasized Russia’s support for Uganda’s BRICS candidacy, highlighting the country’s positive relations with Russia as well as its active role in international and regional affairs. He expressed appreciation for Uganda’s contributions to peacemaking efforts in the African Union, particularly in Somalia, South Sudan, and the Great Lakes region.
Minister Odongo confirmed that he was consulting with President Yoweri Museveni regarding the finalization of Uganda’s membership. He noted that further discussions will take place in Kampala, where an inter-governmental commission will meet in December to formalize Uganda’s relationship with BRICS. These discussions will cover trade, business, and technology transfer, which are expected to strengthen Uganda’s economic ties within the BRICS framework.
Additionally, Odongo mentioned the potential for Ugandans to work in Russia, a possibility that will be explored further in December. He also discussed future cooperation with Ethiopia and Zambia, particularly regarding food security, trade, and climate change.
The BRICS partnership is expected to provide Uganda with significant economic benefits, including closer ties in trade, business, and technological innovation. Anton Kobyakov, a senior Russian advisor, highlighted that these connections would promote the free flow of information and resources between Uganda and other BRICS friendly countries, ultimately boosting Uganda’s regional and international influence.
