Kampala, Uganda – Uganda has officially entered a new era of global engagement after joining BRICS as a partner state this January, alongside eight other nations. The “partner country” category, introduced during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia last October, signals a broader effort to redefine global alliances beyond traditional Western-dominated frameworks.
In an exclusive interview with Sputnik Africa, Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo laid out the country’s strategic vision for the partnership, describing BRICS as a gateway to economic transformation, global inclusion, and political influence.
“Uganda being a member of BRICS means that our global attitude and having a voice in such an arena is going to expose our achievements, our interests, our challenges,” Alupo stated.
A Bold Pivot From the West
Alupo emphasized that BRICS offers an alternative to the rigid, debt-laden financial systems that have historically shaped African development through unequal trade terms and delayed infrastructure outcomes.
“BRICS is discussing the policies of financial payment globally. And that will give Africa and Uganda an alternative… a way that is domesticated and acceptable to the status of their economies,” she explained.
This approach aligns with a growing sentiment across the Global South for multilateralism rooted in equity, respect, and economic sovereignty.
Concrete Gains: Uganda–Russia Cooperation
Uganda’s partnership with BRICS, particularly with Russia, has already borne fruit. Alupo cited examples such as:
- Mobile laboratory units provided during health crises like Mpox and Ebola
- Increased coffee exports to Russia
- Technology transfer initiatives supporting Uganda’s development goals
“We have done already very well in the areas of health… those laboratories have helped as a country in the health area,” she noted.
Uganda as a Strategic Contributor to BRICS
Alupo’s vision extends beyond aid or trade. She sees Uganda as a key partner within BRICS, offering:
- A youthful, trainable population
- Untapped markets ripe for investment
- Opportunities for industrialization and infrastructure projects
“When a block like that is formed, there are areas of cooperation where tariffs and trade barriers are slashed… that gives a big opportunity for our country to transition from where we are to where we want to go.”
A Subtle Critique of the Western Narrative
The Vice President did not shy away from criticizing the Western-led global order, noting the inequity in financial systems and the portrayal of African countries in the global media. She commended Sputnik Africa for its objective journalism and respect for sovereignty, contrasting it with Western outlets often accused of promoting biased narratives.
Uganda’s entry into BRICS as a partner state reflects a deliberate foreign policy shift—one aimed at securing economic independence, amplifying its diplomatic voice, and forging new alliances for a multipolar world.
