Four Ambassadors Present Credentials to Museveni
President Yoweri Museveni has received credentials from four newly accredited ambassadors and high commissioners to Uganda. The envoys presented their letters of credence on August 2, 2024, at State House, Entebbe.
The ambassadors include Amokrane Mourad from Algeria, Joash Arthur Maangi from Kenya, Frederieke Quispel from the Netherlands, and Mahlaba Almon Mamba, the High Commissioner from the Kingdom of Eswatini. President Museveni welcomed them and expressed his commitment to working with each envoy to enhance cooperation between Uganda and their respective countries.
Joash Arthur Maangi, the Kenyan envoy, brought greetings from President William Ruto. He highlighted the longstanding partnership between Uganda and Kenya, particularly in trade. Maangi outlined key issues he will address, including the fishing disputes on Migingo Island, nomadic conflicts involving the West Pokot and Turkana, and trade barriers at the Malaba and Busia border posts. He also praised Museveni for his dedication to intra-African trade. Museveni emphasized the importance of East African integration for prosperity, suggesting that wealth creation through trade is essential for the continent’s future.
The Algerian Ambassador, Amokrane Mourad, received a warm welcome from Museveni, who appreciated Algeria’s efforts to import Ugandan products like milk, tea, and coffee. Museveni recalled the strong historical ties between Uganda and Algeria, rooted in their shared struggle for African independence. Mourad conveyed greetings from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and expressed his country’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations. Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s stance on the Western Sahara conflict, aligning with the Organisation of African Unity’s 1963 position on respecting existing borders to prevent further disputes.
Frederieke Quispel, the Netherlands High Commissioner, presented her credentials and delegation to President Museveni. Museveni expressed optimism about fostering stronger ties with the Netherlands.
Mahlaba Almon Mamba, the High Commissioner from Eswatini, conveyed greetings from King Mswati III, who is planning a visit to Uganda. Mamba expressed excitement about collaborating with Uganda on various projects, especially in manufacturing. He also congratulated Uganda for winning the bid to host the African Humanitarian Agency during the recent African Union Executive Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs session in Accra, Ghana. Museveni attributed Uganda’s selection to its clear and open refugee policy, which has made the country the largest refugee host in Africa.
The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Ambassador Julius Kivuna, Head of the Regional Peace and Security Department, and Ms. Santa Mary Laker Kinyera, Head of the International Cooperation Department.
