Kampala | September 20, 2025
Makerere University has hosted the first-ever Russian Culture Festival and Higher Education Expo, bringing together diplomats, academics, artists, and students to celebrate cultural diversity and deepen Uganda–Russia relations.
The two-day event, held from September 19–20, 2025, at Uganda’s premier institution of higher learning, featured performances by Moscow-based artists, Russian language exhibitions, and education showcases by various Russian universities.
Cultural Diplomacy and Knowledge Exchange at the Core
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Helen Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), officially opened the event by highlighting Makerere’s longstanding cooperation with Russian institutions in areas of education and cultural exchange.
“This festival is more than a celebration of art, music, and cuisine. It is a powerful testament to cultural diplomacy and international cooperation,” she said.
Prof. Nkabala applauded the Russian Embassy in Uganda, the Rosinka Association, the Russkiy Mir Foundation, and other partners for organizing the festival, noting that Makerere’s partnership with Russian institutions has produced tangible results — including over 650 Ugandans trained in Russian language by volunteer instructors from St. Petersburg Government University and the Rosinka Association.
She announced that Makerere had allocated a house to host the upcoming Russian World Foundation Centre in Uganda, a facility expected to become a hub for language learning, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration. “It is, however, my humble request that your Excellency consider donating a building to Makerere University to house this Centre. The land is readily available for this noble cause,” she added.
Prof. Nkabala also praised the festival’s charity raffle whose proceeds will support the Albinism House in Wakiso, describing it as an important reminder that “culture and education must always go hand in hand with compassion and community service.”
She expressed Makerere’s commitment to making the Russian Culture Festival an annual event, encouraging students to explore academic opportunities offered by Russian universities through scholarships, exchange programs, and language study.
Russia Reaffirms Strategic Partnership with Uganda
Russian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Vladlen Semivolos, reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to strengthening ties with Uganda through cooperation in education, trade, energy, and science.
“Over time, our relationship has developed into a strong and multifaceted partnership. Russia and Uganda collaborate actively in both international and regional forums and hold shared views on key global issues,” he said.
The Ambassador emphasized that the Russian government continues to prioritize education as a key pillar of bilateral engagement, noting that Russia annually provides government scholarships to Ugandan students pursuing higher education in Russian universities.
Historical Ties and Expanding Cooperation
Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, H.E. Moses Kawaaluuko Kizige, hailed the growing partnership between the two nations as one rooted in historical friendship and mutual respect.
“Russia and Africa have been historically linked by bonds of partnership founded on principles of mutual respect and anti-colonial solidarity,” he said.
Ambassador Kizige highlighted the achievements of recent high-level engagements, including President Museveni’s participation in the Russia–Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in 2023, which he said laid the foundation for deepening practical cooperation.
He revealed that Uganda will soon host the third session of the Russia–Uganda Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation, a meeting expected to expand collaboration in trade, investment, energy, health, and education.
Kizige commended Makerere University for its consistent role in strengthening educational and cultural ties, and lauded the Rosinka Association and Russian volunteers for their contribution to teaching the Russian language to Ugandans.
He also noted that about 200 Ugandan youths have already joined the Allab Boaar vocational training program in Russia, equipping them with professional skills in technical fields.
Russian Language Volunteer Teacher Celebrates Cultural Exchange
Olga Shikhova, a Russian instructor volunteering at Makerere University, expressed gratitude to the Ugandan academic community and the Russian partners for their collaboration.
“I am very happy to be here and grateful for the opportunity to teach and grow together with Ugandan students,” she said, emphasizing that all Russian language courses offered through the Modus Vitae initiative are free of charge and open to new students.
Shikhova commended the Russian World Foundation and the Embassy of the Russian Federation for supporting the expansion of Russian language education in Uganda, noting that the new Centre at Makerere will enhance cultural cooperation and provide more educational opportunities for Ugandans.
Makerere Committed to Promoting Russian Language and Culture
The Deputy Principal of CHUSS, Professor Eric Awich Ochen, thanked the Russian delegation for choosing Makerere as host for the festival and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to expanding Russian language programs.
“Makerere is a very accommodating university. We welcome the opportunity to partner with our Russian colleagues to promote the Russian language and culture here in Uganda,” he said.
Prof. Awich highlighted the importance of performing arts as a bridge between cultures, noting that the collaboration between Ugandan and Russian artists during the festival reflected the essence of global cultural harmony.
He praised the students and staff for embracing Russian culture and language, emphasizing that “Russia has a lot to offer — not only in language and culture but also in technology, science, and innovation.”
A New Chapter in Uganda–Russia Relations
The Russian Culture Festival and Higher Education Expo concluded with renewed commitment from both nations to deepen cooperation in education, culture, science, and human development.
With the imminent launch of the Russian World Foundation Centre at Makerere, and growing student exchanges, both Uganda and Russia signaled a shared vision for the future — one built on mutual respect, knowledge exchange, and cultural understanding.
Story by Jane Anyango -Principal Communication Officer CHUSS
Photo credit: Elias Tuhereze Mak PR Office