KAMPALA, — Uganda has officially received an invitation to join the BRICS bloc as a partner nation, marking a potential shift in the East African country’s international alliances and economic aspirations.
The news was confirmed by Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, Moses Kawaaluuko Kizige, on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum’s first Ministerial Conference, held over the weekend.
“Yes, Uganda has received the invitation,” Kizige told the TASS news agency, emphasizing that this opportunity aligns with Uganda’s interest in diversifying its economic partnerships and strengthening alliances with emerging economies.
The BRICS group—currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has become increasingly influential on the global stage, particularly as a counterbalance to Western-led economic structures. The bloc seeks to expand its reach and influence by inviting new partners, especially from the Global South, in an effort to create a more multipolar world order. Uganda’s invitation signals BRICS’ ongoing commitment to engaging African nations, which have demonstrated significant growth potential and a strategic interest in non-Western alliances.
Uganda’s possible entry into BRICS as a partner could bring economic benefits and increase regional cooperation, as well as attract greater investment in key sectors like infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. For Uganda, this development could support President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing goal of reducing dependency on traditional Western aid by fostering South-South cooperation.
In recent years, Uganda has strengthened its diplomatic and economic ties with Russia and China, two of BRICS’ key members, through a series of trade agreements and development projects. Russia, in particular, has been actively courting African countries, providing military training, energy investment, and trade deals as part of its foreign policy to expand its influence in the continent. Uganda’s collaboration with China has also grown, with China financing infrastructure projects across the country, including roads, bridges, and a modern hospital in Kampala.
Political analyst Emmanuel Kamya suggests that joining BRICS could be a game-changer for Uganda. “As a BRICS partner, Uganda could leverage this relationship to gain better access to trade markets and investment flows. This partnership could provide a more balanced foreign policy, reducing reliance on Western financial systems and creating new economic opportunities.”
The timing of Uganda’s invitation aligns with BRICS’ recent expansion efforts. In August, BRICS leaders announced plans to invite other nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Argentina, to join the bloc. This push for expansion demonstrates BRICS’ ambition to solidify its position as a major force on the global stage, particularly as a voice for the developing world.
Meanwhile, African leaders continue to seek alternatives to traditional Western partnerships, as they face challenges like inflation, debt, and slow post-COVID recovery. The invitation could thus serve as a model for other African countries considering alternative economic alliances.
In response to Uganda’s invitation, some Ugandan officials have highlighted the potential challenges, particularly in aligning with BRICS’ policies on trade, technology, and security. Yet, many see the partnership as a chance to advance Uganda’s goals of industrialization and economic self-sufficiency.
If Uganda formally accepts the invitation, it could pave the way for enhanced trade, technology transfer, and infrastructure investments from BRICS countries. A final decision is expected following consultations within Uganda’s government to ensure alignment with the country’s national interests.
The BRICS invitation signals a new chapter in Uganda’s foreign policy, as the country positions itself at the intersection of East-West relations and in step with a global trend toward multipolarity.