The near-contact system RU UMi with an F0 primary and a K5 secondary was observed in U, B and V wavelengths in May and July 1998, as well as in March, May and July 1999. Six new observed times of minima are given and a new ephemeris is proposed. The basic parameters of the system extracted by our observations were used for spot modelling of the light curves. A simple spot distribution was determined, based on a model with one relatively small cool spot on the surface of the secondary. Absolute elements were calculated and the evolutionary status was determined. Our data favor a semi-detached configuration, with the secondary filling its inner Roche lobe; the primary must also be near the limits of its lobe.