Russian Embassy marks 80th anniversary of World War II Nazi defeat

KAMPALA - The Russian Embassy in Kampala on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) held a reception to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. 

Victory Day, which is celebrated in Russia on May 9, is one of the most important days in the country, Russian Ambassador Vladlen Semivolos told guests at the event held at the embassy in Kololo.

"We will always remember that it was the Soviet Union that played accrucial role in the victory against Nazism. It was us who disrupted the barbaric plans of destroying entire nations, who did not allow the Nazis to lay their hands on this world to become the rulers of destinies of states and continents," Semivolos told his audience, which among others included government officials, academicians, diplomats and the Russian community, among others.

Vladlen Semivolos, Russian Ambassador to Uganda, giving a speech during the reception to commemorate the 80th anniversary at the Russian Embassy in Kampala, on March 7, 2025. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

The ambassador said the victory over Nazi Germany today remains one of the main unifying principles for the peoples of the former USSR, a moral guide for the post-war generations.

He said Russia will continue to stand firm against those who continue to hatch plans to defeat, destroy and dismember it.

"We annihilated the so-called unbeatable Napoleon's armies, stopped the foreign military intervention of the Triple Alliance in 1918-1922 and crushed the hordes of European fascists in World War II, who had gathered to march against us under Hitler's banners.

We have the necessary political will and strategic capabilities to wipe off the map every aggressor who would dare to come to our land with a sword. Russia was, is and will be victorious!" the Ambassador said.

Vladlen Semivolos (L) Russian Ambassador to Uganda talking to Lilly Ajarova (R) Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism, during the reception to commemorate the 80th anniversary at the Russian Embassy in Kampala, on March 7, 2025. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

Michael Lubowa, chairperson of the Ugandan alumni of the education institutions in Russia and former Soviet Union countries, said the defeat of fascism catalysed the anti-colonial struggles in Africa.

"The post-war period was therefore characterised by rebellions, mutinies, mass rallies, demonstrations, and protests which played an important role in the development of Ugandan national consciousness. The victory over fascism saved the world from slavery and disaster. It also led to the collapse of the colonial system and contributed to Africa's independence," Lubowa said.

Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, said that since Uganda and Africa gained independence from the colonialists, Russia has had good relations with the African continent.

"Russia was one of the first countries to recognise our independence; they have consistently supported our development journey, particularly in human resource development, industrialisation, and security," he said.

Guests interacting during the reception to commemorate the 80th anniversary at the Russian Embassy in Kampala, on March 7, 2025. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

"I commend the Africans for appreciating the role the Soviet Union played in the independence of Africa. We should never forget our friends even in times of difficulty," Nawangwe said, noting that the defeat of fascism ensured the survival of the black people since Hitler wanted the black race wiped off the face of the earth.

"We owe a lot to the people of the Soviet Union, the fallen soldiers who fought to ensure the world can live in peace," Nawangwe said.

The guests were entertained with Russian music. A song paying tribute to the memory and expressing gratitude to the great heroes and workers was played. A minute of silence was also held to honour those soldiers who died during the war. Russian dishes and drinks were also served.