Vladimir Putin has invited the President of Uganda to visit
Moscow. As the same time, it has been reported that Russia may play a role in
Museveni's oil saga. The talks on development of oil fields have been going on
for some years so far. Irina Filatova, one of the leading Russian Africanists,
Professor, Doctor of Historical Sciences at the Higher School of Economics told
Pravda.Ru what has changed and which are the prospects.
As far as I know a Russian RT-Global Resources company seeks
building an oil refinery. In 2015 it won a contract. Everything was fine, but
then some difficulties occurred. The fact is that in 2016 Uganda claimed that
it would not carry out negotiations with the South Korean contender. This
invitation may be connected with a will to help this Russian company.
Which is the potential of these oil fields?
There are about 6-6.5 billions of barrels. Over 2 of them are
produced quite easily. The case is that Uganda's government prefers slow
production to extend resources for a longer term and get maximum profit. While
developing companies want to make it quick.
Museveni also proposed Russia to establish a shipping line which
would connect the Eastern Africa with Russia. It it expedient?
It may be done. The main problem of Russia's trade with Africa is
that little has been offered apart from resources and weapons. We deliver
Sukhoi Su-30 airplanes and other military equipment, but a shipping line is not
needed to deliver it.
Why is namely Uganda willing to cooperate with Russia? Which role
does it play in the region?
This country is quite stable. Museveni has been ruling the country
for as long as 31 year. When he came, he abolished all the parties and then
democratic order was returned, parties restored. Each elections won by Museveni
were alternative ones, candidates were quite real. Results were not contested. Museveni
carried out one of the most successful campaigns in Africa on combating AIDS,
he introduced free elementary education. However, oil has been also found in
Kenya and Tanzania, the whole region is covered with oil fields, but we have
worked with Uganda only so far.
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