Is Uganda Close to Joining BRICS?
April 30, 2025 | Kampala, Uganda
In a significant diplomatic step for Uganda, Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented the country at the Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of BRICS in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from April 27-29, 2025. This marks Uganda’s first official participation as a BRICS Partner State following its recent invitation to join the influential bloc.
A Warm Welcome to the Global Stage
During his address to the ministerial meeting, Minister Odongo conveyed warm greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and expressed Uganda’s profound gratitude for being invited to join BRICS as a Partner State. He emphasized that this invitation was “wholesomely and enthusiastically embraced and supported” by the President, Government, and people of Uganda.
“Uganda is very humbled, but at the same time excited and proud to be part of the BRICS, and to attend this inaugural meeting as a Partner State,” stated Minister Odongo, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic achievement for the country.
BRICS: A Voice for the Global South
The Minister’s remarks underscored the increasing importance of frameworks like BRICS in today’s complex global landscape. He pointed to several challenges facing the Global South, including:
- Increasing polarization in world trade
- Tensions in geo-political spheres
- The threatened role of multilateralism
These challenges, according to Minister Odongo, amplify “the greater need for frameworks like BRICS to stand out firmly as the voice of the Global South.” His comments reflect Uganda’s alignment with BRICS’ vision of creating a more equitable global order that better represents developing nations.
Commitment to BRICS’ Vision
In his address, Minister Odongo paid tribute to the founding members of BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—for their foresight and vision in establishing the bloc. He expressed appreciation for their decision to expand the framework to include new members and partners.
“This dynamism is a strong signal that BRICS is and will continue to be relevant and to grow across the globe,” noted the Minister, highlighting the bloc’s evolving nature and increasing global influence.
As a Partner State, Uganda has pledged to:
- Play an active role in strengthening the BRICS framework
- Promote and protect the interests and aspirations of BRICS
- Participate in all activities of the bloc
Aspirations for Full Membership
Looking to the future, Minister Odongo expressed Uganda’s aspiration to eventually transition from Partner State to full BRICS membership. “Without appearing to be Oliver Twist, Uganda is looking forward to becoming a full member of BRICS,” he stated, illustrating the country’s long-term commitment to the bloc.
Strategic Benefits for Uganda
Uganda’s entry into BRICS as a Partner State offers numerous potential benefits for the country:
- Enhanced South-South Cooperation: Direct engagement with major emerging economies across multiple continents
- Alternative Development Financing: Access to the New Development Bank and potential investment from BRICS member states
- Strategic Diplomatic Position: Greater influence in shaping global governance reforms
- Economic Diversification: New markets and trading partners beyond traditional Western partners
- Knowledge and Technology Transfer: Opportunities for collaboration in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and digital transformation
Expert Analysis
According to economic analysts, Uganda’s inclusion in BRICS could significantly boost the country’s development trajectory. “This partnership places Uganda at an important table where decisions affecting the global economic architecture are increasingly being made,” notes Dr. Sarah Namukasa, an international relations expert at Makerere University.
“For a country like Uganda, BRICS offers not just economic opportunities but also a platform to assert its sovereign interests in a changing world order,” she adds.
The Road Ahead
As Uganda begins its journey as a BRICS Partner State, the government is expected to develop comprehensive strategies to maximize the benefits of this new relationship. Key focus areas may include increasing trade with BRICS nations, attracting investment in priority sectors, and building institutional capacity to engage effectively with BRICS mechanisms.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has indicated that specialized teams will be established to coordinate Uganda’s participation in various BRICS working groups and initiatives.
