President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially received credentials from four newly accredited Ambassadors and High Commissioners to Uganda, including H.E. Mahlaba Almon Mamba, the High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The credentials presentation took place on Friday, August 2, 2024, at State House, Entebbe.
In his address, President Museveni extended a warm welcome to the new envoys and emphasized Uganda’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with their respective countries. He expressed optimism that the new ambassadors would contribute significantly to enhancing bilateral relations.
H.E. Mahlaba Almon Mamba conveyed greetings from King Mswati III of Eswatini and expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming visit of the King to Uganda. He highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between Uganda and Eswatini, referring to Uganda as a “home away from home.” Ambassador Mamba discussed the potential for increased collaboration between the two nations, particularly in the manufacturing sector. He mentioned that several projects had been identified for joint ventures, underlining King Mswati III’s directive to explore more partnership opportunities.
Ambassador Mamba also took the opportunity to congratulate President Museveni and Uganda on winning the bid to host the African Humanitarian Agency. This achievement was decided during the 45th Session of the African Union Executive Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Accra, Ghana, from July 18-19, 2024. The agency, a Specialized Technical Agency of the African Union, is tasked with coordinating and providing humanitarian responses across the continent. Uganda was selected for its clear open refugee policy and its status as the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, with well-established legal and institutional frameworks. The evaluation process saw Uganda achieve an impressive score of 85.66%, surpassing Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, and Kenya.
President Museveni expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in Uganda by the African Union and reiterated Uganda’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts across the continent. He highlighted the importance of integration and collaboration among African nations to achieve sustainable prosperity. Museveni emphasized that true prosperity comes from wealth creation through the production and sale of goods and services, rather than merely focusing on identity and division.
The meeting also included discussions on key regional issues. Ambassador Joash Arthur Maangi of Kenya raised concerns about fishing on Migingo Island, nomadism among the West Pokot and Turkana in Uganda, and trade barriers at the Malaba and Busia border posts. He conveyed greetings from Kenyan President William Ruto and commended Museveni’s dedication to intra-African trade. Museveni agreed on the importance of a common position among partner states to address these issues effectively.
H.E. Amokrane Mourad, the Algerian Ambassador, expressed Algeria’s readiness to import Ugandan products such as milk, tea, and coffee, reflecting the long-standing relationship between the two countries. Mourad also conveyed greetings from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and praised Museveni as a distinguished Pan-Africanist.
H.E. Frederieke Quispel, the Ambassador of the Netherlands, along with other officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Ambassador Julius Kivuna and Ms. Santa Mary Laker Kinyera, attended the ceremony, further underscoring the importance of international cooperation and diplomatic relations.
President Museveni’s engagement with the new envoys marks a significant step in reinforcing Uganda’s diplomatic ties and fostering collaboration in various sectors, paving the way for mutual growth and development. The warm reception of the Eswatini envoy, in particular, highlights the deep-rooted friendship and the potential for enhanced partnerships between Uganda and Eswatini.
