Kyakunda Sharon

Today at State House Entebbe, I received Hon. Limpho Justice Tau, Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, who delivered a message from the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane. I welcome Lesotho’s decision to purchase 20 buses from our own Kira Motors. I have also pledged five additional buses to the Kingdom. Our discussions further explored ways we can strengthen existing bilateral relations between our two countries.

Today, I witnessed the signing of the Host Country Agreement between Uganda and the African Union for the establishment of the African Union Humanitarian Agency. I thank the African Member States for the confidence they have placed in Uganda. The humanitarian challenges facing Africa require a coordinated continental response. We must work together to ensure that our people have access to the basic necessities of life, including food, shelter, clothing and medicine. This is a responsibility for all African countries, and every Member State must play its part.

I thank the cultural leaders for the fruitful discussions over the last two days. The Government will support their proposals. For example, in line with their commitment to strengthen research, Government research institutions, such as Kawanda, Namulonge and Serere, can support the work of cultural institutions and reduce unnecessary duplication through the establishment of separate research centres. Furthermore, we must preserve our languages, cultures and useful traditions while rejecting harmful practices. For instance, wife inheritance must be by consent, not force. I thank them and wish them good luck.

On the sidelines of the Cultural Leaders Conference, I received the Vice President of Tanzania, His Excellency, Deogratius John Ndejembi, who delivered a special message from Her Excellency, President Samia Suluhu Hassan. We discussed the economic integration of our two countries and infrastructure development, particularly the oil pipeline. As I have always emphasised, our prosperity depends on working together, expanding trade and developing infrastructure that connects our economies.

While addressing the traditional and cultural leaders, I emphasised that our indigenous societies had strong foundations in agriculture, livestock, crafts, medicine and other specialised occupations (Emyooga). However, tribal chauvinism and lack of integration weakened us. That is why the NRM emphasises patriotism and Pan Africanism. You need Uganda and Africa for your prosperity. Our cultural leaders have an important role in preserving our languages, culture and indigenous knowledge, while leaving politics and administration to elected leaders. We must reject the colonial mentality that makes Africans despise their own heritage. I am looking forward to continued discussions tomorrow.

Today at State House Entebbe, I am hosting Their Majesties and other cultural leaders from across Uganda at the Cultural Leaders Conference. I look forward to fruitful discussions about how our cultural institutions can promote unity, preserve our heritage and contribute to Uganda’s development.

Today at State House Entebbe, I met Egyptian investors led by our Deputy Head of Mission in Egypt, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina (Rtd). I encouraged them to invest in our economy, particularly in electricity, railways, irrigation and toll roads. We produce a lot from agriculture, minerals and forests, but we must add value to these products and have affordable infrastructure so our goods can compete in the global market. I welcome their proposal to establish an industrial park for processing coffee, cotton and other products.

Today, I met with Johan Borgstam, the European Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region. We discussed the situation in the Congo and the need for dialogue among the different actors to achieve lasting peace in eastern DRC. I welcome him.

This evening I bid farewell to the outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E.Majid Saffar. We discussed our cooperation in agriculture, healthcare and education, including opportunities in agro-processing, the supply of seeds and fertilisers, agricultural machinery, and investment. We also discussed expanding medical ties, building on existing partnerships with institutions such as the Uganda Police. I commend him for a successful tour of duty, strengthening our mutual relations. I wish him good luck in his future assignments.

Today, I welcomed H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. We discussed matters concerning our two countries, especially the security situation in Somalia. Somalia will soon receive our value added coffee, which is a step in the right direction. I thank his Excellency Mohamud for this support.

Today, I thanked the people of Sheema and greater Ankole for supporting the NRM in the recent elections. I also thanked Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu for organising the thanksgiving ceremony.

Today at Entebbe, I met Mr Nicolas Tamari, CEO of SUCAFINA Group, under which UGACOF LTD is operating locally. We discussed investment opportunities, particularly value addition to our coffee.

This week, I commissioned military facilities and equipment at Kalama, Entebbe, Kalangalo and Magamaga under our defence cooperation with Russia. I thank President Putin and the Russian people for this support, including the $53 million mechanised repair facility at Magamaga. We must not only acquire good equipment but also learn to maintain, repair and eventually manufacture it here. I have encouraged our military to embrace science and technology, including AI and automation, to strengthen our defence capabilities. Our cooperation with Russia should help us build local capacity, protect our sovereignty and strengthen our ability to defend Uganda.

I particularly thank the CDF and his commanders for fighting corruption in the army and improving the welfare of our soldiers. I am following the improvements in barracks and pay, but the fight against corruption is especially important because it directly affects the welfare of our men and women in uniform. To the new officers, remain disciplined, stay close to the people and serve Uganda with honour.

Today, I commissioned 280 Officer Cadets at Kabamba. I congratulate the officers and thank their families and the UPDF leadership for guiding them through their training. A strong defence requires a strong economy, well trained soldiers, investment in science and technology, and cooperation with our brother African countries. The UPDF must also protect wealth creators and help combat crime and sabotage in our communities.