Uganda has officially been admitted as a BRICS partner state, marking a significant milestone in the country’s diplomatic and economic trajectory. This development aligns Uganda with one of the world’s most influential blocs, composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as the East African nation seeks to boost its global standing and engage in new avenues for economic growth and sustainable development.
Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo shared the announcement at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he emphasized the importance of the partnership. “Uganda has long enjoyed warm relations with BRICS member states, and this new partnership will only strengthen our shared goals of sustainable development,” Odongo said.
The minister also expressed gratitude to the founding BRICS members for their decision to expand the bloc, acknowledging the dynamic nature of BRICS and its continued global relevance. “This openness to new members signals the growing influence of BRICS on the world stage,” Odongo added.
The admission of Uganda, alongside eight other nations, will officially take effect on January 1, 2025. As a BRICS partner, Uganda is now part of an alliance that serves as a powerful voice for the Global South, advocating for multilateral solutions to the world’s pressing socio-economic and geopolitical challenges. Odongo highlighted the need for unified frameworks like BRICS in a world increasingly divided by economic and political tensions.
John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, also spoke on the strategic benefits of the country’s new relationship with BRICS. He noted that Uganda will gain valuable opportunities to engage with some of the world’s largest emerging economies, particularly in sectors like information and communications technology. “Through BRICS, Uganda can leverage advancements in technology and innovation, which are key to the country’s transformation,” Mulimba said.
The BRICS bloc, which first brought together Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has steadily expanded its membership. With Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Africa already full members, Uganda’s inclusion further strengthens Africa’s position within the group. The partnership is expected to open new pathways for trade, investment, and technological collaboration, reinforcing Uganda’s aspirations to diversify its international relations and secure a stronger foothold in the global economy.
As Uganda embarks on this new chapter with BRICS, it is poised to benefit from deeper economic ties and increased opportunities for regional and global collaboration. The country’s active participation in the bloc is expected to play a key role in advancing its development goals, making a lasting impact on Uganda’s future economic landscape.