I met with the World Health Organization Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who called on me at State House Entebbe.
We discussed the Ebola outbreak in the region and the measures needed to strengthen prevention and response efforts. I stressed the importance of community awareness, early detection, and cross-border collaboration.
Uganda has experience in mobilizing communities to confront public health challenges, as we did during the fight against HIV/AIDS. Through science, leadership, and cooperation with partners such as WHO, we can continue to protect our people and strengthen regional health security.
Fellow Ugandans, on this Heroes Day, we remember the immense sacrifices made by our people in the struggle for freedom. The 9th of June 1981 was chosen to represent the hundreds of thousands who were killed, especially in the Luweero Triangle. After the war, we collected skulls from 32 communal graves as a reminder of the atrocities our people endured.
When we went to the bush, Uganda was facing a profound crisis. The economy had collapsed, governance had broken down, insecurity was rampant, and for 18 years, Ugandans had been denied the opportunity to freely elect their leaders. Our objectives were therefore clear: restore democracy, guarantee security, expand and diversify the economy, and rebuild the country.
I thank the civilian and armed veterans who joined us in this struggle and helped achieve these goals. I also salute the families of those heroes who are no longer with us. The challenge before us now is economic transformation and ensuring that every household joins the money economy.
I met the EAC Secretary General, Stephen Patrick Mbundi, and his team at State Lodge Nakasero to discuss matters concerning the Community, including trade, infrastructure, staffing, health, financing, and regional integration.
As Chairperson of the EAC Summit, I emphasised the need to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate the implementation of programmes that advance prosperity and integration for our people.
This afternoon, I officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District.
I reminded the wananchi that Karamoja has come a long way from the days of insecurity, cattle rustling and lawlessness. The restoration of peace has created the conditions for the Karamoja region to develop.
The airport will improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park, boost tourism, attract investors, create jobs for our young people and expand markets for local products. Already, more than 1,600 Ugandans are employed on the project.
I thank our partners from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates for recognizing the immense opportunities that exist in Uganda and Africa.
I met the outgoing German Ambassador, H.E Matthias Schauer, and discussed matters of mutual interest between Uganda and Germany.
I thank him for his service and contribution towards strengthening the friendly relations between our two countries. I wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement.
This afternoon at State House Entebbe, I met H.E. Jan Sadek, the European Union Ambassador to Uganda, and his delegation as we reflected on 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the EU.
I welcomed this long-standing collaboration and emphasized the need for Europe and other partners to support Africa’s industrialization and value-addition agenda. Africa cannot continue exporting raw materials while importing finished products if we are to achieve prosperity for our people.
A richer and more prosperous Africa is good for business, investment, and trade for both our continents. I encouraged our European friends to work with us in unlocking Africa’s enormous economic potential through value addition, industrialization, and infrastructure development.
I received H.E. William W. Popp, the outgoing Ambassador of the United States to Uganda, at State Lodge Nakasero.
I thank Ambassador Popp for his service over the past years and for his contribution to strengthening the cordial relations between Uganda and the United States. We discussed matters of mutual interest and cooperation between our two countries.
I wish him good luck in his future assignments and endeavours.
NRM Stooko Empya on NBS Barometer. Please tune in🙏🙏 Kisanja no sleep no corruption! Jjaja Museveni said Enough is Enough, to me that is a directive to tripple our efforts🙏🙏