Uganda officially becomes a partner of BRICS. Image: The Eastleigh Voice.
(The Post News)– This development is in alignment with the agenda shared during the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) summit held in Kazan, Russia, to expand the bloc’s influence and its commitment in establishing deeper collaboration with emerging economies.
With Uganda’s population and economic potential included, BRICS now represents over 40% of the global populace and a considerable portion of the world economy. The country has recently faced economic challenges following its removal from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has limited its trade opportunities with the United States. Furthermore, Uganda’s anti-gay laws have created controversy around its domestic policies and unpopularity among other nations in international relations.
Despite its strained relations with the United States and ongoing controversies over domestic policies, Uganda sees an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic ties and attract much-needed investment by joining BRICS. The Global South-led forum for economic cooperation has extended an invitation to 13 nations, where only 9 accepted. Uganda is the only African country, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, that are officially partner members from the first day of 2025.
Initially founded as BRIC in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the counterbalance organisation to Western dominance grew in 2010 with the addition of South Africa. Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran followed by joining in January 2024. During the BRICS 2024 Summit in Russia, President Cyril Ramaphosa commended the organisation on its expansion in partnerships. He called it a source of hope for emerging economies in the Global South.
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