President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with Venezuelan Vice President Gabriela Jiménez Ramírez at State House Entebbe, in a meeting that underscored growing diplomatic engagement between Uganda and the South American nation amid major political changes in Caracas.
According to President Museveni, the Venezuelan Vice President paid a courtesy call on him while returning home after attending Uganda’s swearing-in ceremony earlier this week.
“I thank her for honouring our invitation to the swearing-in ceremony,” Museveni posted on his official X account, adding that the two leaders discussed strengthening diplomatic and bilateral cooperation between Uganda and Venezuela.
Museveni said the Venezuelan delegation briefed him on the current political and economic situation in the Latin American country and both sides agreed to explore collaboration in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of their citizens.
The meeting comes at a time when Venezuela is actively seeking to rebuild international alliances and attract new strategic partnerships following the dramatic political upheaval that saw former President Nicolás Maduro captured earlier this year during a United States-led military operation.
Since the removal of Maduro, Venezuela’s interim administration led by Delcy Rodríguez has embarked on an aggressive diplomatic outreach campaign aimed at re-establishing ties with countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
International media reports indicate that Caracas has been working to normalize relations with global financial institutions and foreign governments as part of broader efforts to revive its struggling economy and regain investor confidence. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank recently resumed engagements with Venezuela after years of diplomatic isolation.
The Venezuelan government has also intensified efforts to attract foreign investment into its oil and gas sector, signing new cooperation agreements with international energy companies while pursuing debt restructuring initiatives estimated at between $150 billion and $170 billion.
Analysts say Venezuela’s outreach to African nations such as Uganda reflects Caracas’ attempt to diversify diplomatic alliances beyond its traditional geopolitical partners.
Uganda and Venezuela have historically maintained cordial but limited relations, largely through multilateral platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement and South-South cooperation initiatives. However, recent global geopolitical shifts appear to be creating opportunities for deeper bilateral engagement in sectors such as agriculture, energy, trade, education and technology.
The meeting between Museveni and Jiménez Ramírez also comes amid increased diplomatic activity at State House Entebbe following Museveni’s swearing-in for another term in office. Several foreign delegations and heads of state have visited Uganda this week for bilateral discussions on regional cooperation, trade and investment.
Observers say Uganda’s strategic position in East Africa and Museveni’s longstanding diplomatic influence on the continent make Kampala an important partner for countries seeking stronger engagement with Africa.
While details of the specific cooperation areas discussed between Uganda and Venezuela were not immediately disclosed, officials from both countries signaled a willingness to deepen diplomatic ties and explore mutually beneficial partnerships in the near future.
