Peter Abaine

Senior Presidential Advisor-Special Duties to HE the President of the Republic of Uganda

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

I congratulate the retiring Generals for the great contribution they have made to the UPDF. The Army and the NRM have been able to build peace and security in Uganda because of many factors, including our ideology of patriotism, modern military technology and the strength of our national economy.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

Today, Maama Janet and I received international evangelist, Bishop Dr. LaDonna C. Osborn at State House Entebbe. She is in Uganda ahead of the consecration of Pastor Patience Rwabwogo as a Bishop.

Dr. Osborn recalled her first visit to Uganda in 1985 with her late mother, who ministered to many Ugandans during a difficult period in our history. Maama Janet also fondly recalled Dr. Osborn’s mother, who prayed with our family and gave our children their first Bibles.

We reflected on Uganda’s transformation over the years and the enduring friendship between the Osborn family and Uganda. I welcome Dr. Osborn back to Uganda and wish Pastor Patience a blessed consecration.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu. Greetings.

I want to use this occasion to thank God that has protected and enabled Uganda to address its numerous problems. I thank God for blessing the NRM for the last 60 years plus, starting with it’s precursors.

Now, God has blessed me with one of my grandchildren, Ruhamya, joining my big family of UPDF, having graduated, with his colleague, Bakyira, from Sandhurst recently. Congratulations Ruhamya, congratulations Bakyira.

Young Ugandans, Army service gives you good foundation. I congratulate the parents of the two young officers.

Signed:

Yoweri K. Museveni
Ssaabalwanyi

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

I met Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) at State House, Entebbe, who briefed me on the Force’s activities and the ongoing efforts to strengthen our regional peace and security architecture.
As Chairperson of the EAC, I will engage my fellow Heads of State to strengthen the EASF, including convening its Summit, which has not met since 2014, and ensuring that the Force is adequately supported to respond to regional security and humanitarian challenges.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

This afternoon, I received Prof. Anna Tibaijuka, a senior member of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) of Tanzania, who paid me a courtesy call at State House, Entebbe.
We exchanged views on the long-standing relationship between our two countries and our two movements, the NRM and CCM. The relationship between Uganda and Tanzania goes back a long way.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

Today, at State House Entebbe, I presided over the swearing-in of three Ministers: Hon. Amb. Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Micro-Finance; and Hon. Witonze Juma, Minister of State for Internal Affairs.

I congratulate them and urge them to focus on eliminating corruption and inefficiency in Government through proper supervision and accountability.

On dual citizenship, I stressed that while the arrangement was introduced to address Uganda’s difficult history, people must be clear about where their loyalty lies. Ultimately, the East African Federation remains the long-term solution to questions of identity and integration in our region.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

Today, I met the NRM Parliamentary Caucus at Munyonyo and shared with them what I picked from wananchi during the recent campaigns.

I directed that corruption in the health sector and the Parish Development Model be decisively tackled. The theft of medicines, absenteeism by health workers, diversion of PDM funds, the sale of government jobs, and all forms of corruption must stop. These MPs must speak out without fear, monitor government programmes closely, and ensure that they deliver real benefits to the people.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

I have arrived back home after a productive two-day working visit to the United Republic of Tanzania. I thank H.E. Dr. @SuluhuSamia Hassan and the people of Tanzania for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

Today in Dar es Salaam, together with H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, I witnessed the signing of an MoU between Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Vitol Bahrain E.C. to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

I have arrived in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, at the invitation of H.E. Dr. @SuluhuSamia Hassan for a two-day working visit.
Uganda and Tanzania have enjoyed excellent relations over the years, founded on our common history, Pan-African ideals, and commitment to regional integration. I look forward to productive engagements that will further strengthen our cooperation for the prosperity of our two countries and the East African region.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

Today, at State House Entebbe, I met Ambassadors representing members of the United Nations Security Council and formally presented Ambassador Olara Otunnu as Uganda’s candidate for the position of United Nations Secretary-General.

I urged them to convey Uganda’s endorsement to their respective governments. Ambassador Otunnu has the experience, integrity, and diplomatic credentials to lead the UN. Uganda’s record in promoting regional peace and security, as well as hosting refugees, reflects the values that underpin our support for his candidature.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

https://t.co/KA5jGLHc90

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

I congratulate Kisha and Aaron Kafureeka upon their Okuhingira and convey greetings from Maama Janet.

I reminded the couple that marriage is for two people. Build your home on friendship and do not allow unnecessary interference. I was pleased to note that the people here have embraced our message of wealth creation. With resources such as River Rwizi feeding Lake Kakyera, there is great potential for commercial agriculture through irrigation.

I also paid tribute to our freedom fighters, the late Kaboyo and Kafureeka, for their contribution to Uganda’s liberation, and I congratulate Alice for the commendable job of raising her family. I wish the couple God’s blessings as they begin this new chapter together. On a lighter note, I told the Bevugi that I will return to teach them how to Kwevuga.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

Today, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, I chaired the 2nd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Troop-Contributing Countries to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). I pointed out that Uganda’s involvement in Somalia was never because we share a border, but out of principle and strategy. We rejected the extremism that seeks to impose itself on African societies and stood in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.

Africa has a rich history of respecting one another’s identity, and I remain confident that, through our collective efforts, we shall continue supporting Somalia’s journey towards lasting peace and stability. I thank the Troop-Contributing Countries and their leaders for their commitment and sacrifice in the pursuit of a peaceful and stable Somalia.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

I concluded my day at State House Entebbe by welcoming H.E. Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
We discussed regional peace, security, and cooperation ahead of tomorrow’s Extraordinary Summit of the Troop Contributing Countries to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). I reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting a stable, united, and prosperous Somalia because peace in Somalia is important for the stability of our region.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

I welcomed Hon. Beccy Cooper MP, Chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health.

We discussed strengthening Uganda-UK collaboration in healthcare, particularly in medical training, skills transfer, and improving health service delivery. I also briefed her on Uganda’s successful defeat of the recent Ebola outbreak, which demonstrated the dedication of our health workers and the effectiveness of our response systems.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

I welcomed the establishment of the HUVET Bio-Science Park, led by Eng. Hashem Azimi. This initiative will play an important role in advancing Uganda’s journey towards local vaccine production, veterinary biotechnology, and scientific innovation, while reducing our dependence on imported vaccines and other biological products.

Uganda must build the capacity to produce what we need. Vaccine sovereignty and our ambition to become a regional leader in biotechnology are important for our strategic interests. I welcome this investment, and the Government will support this initiative.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

Today, I received Letters of Credence from four Heads of Mission: H.E. Ababu Namwamba, High Commissioner of Kenya; H.E. Sangho Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea; Maj. Gen. Marco Elisha Gaguti, High Commissioner of Tanzania; and H.E. Gabriel Pandureni Sinimbo, High Commissioner of Namibia.
Uganda enjoys cordial and mutually beneficial relations with all these countries. I welcome them and look forward to working together to further strengthen our cooperation for the benefit of our peoples.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

Today at State House Entebbe, I welcomed H.E. Moussa Saleh Batraki, Secretary General of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). I told him that Africans in the Caribbean and the indigenous peoples of the Pacific are part of our extended African family. I also support the proposal to relocate the OACPS headquarters from Europe, it would strengthen the Organisation’s independence and better reflect the interests of its member states. Uganda is ready to support this effort and deepen cooperation with the OACPS.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

I met a delegation from Nonda Coffee Park led by Mr. Tonny Miiro Kibuuka, who briefed me on their plans to establish a coffee processing and value addition facility. I welcome this investment because it is exactly what we have always been advocating for.
Uganda should not continue exporting raw coffee. We must add value before export so that we create jobs, increase household incomes and earn more foreign exchange.
The government will support this initiative and mobilise our coffee farmers to produce more in preparation for the increased demand. I congratulate them and wish them good luck.