Uganda and Cuba marked the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which commenced in 1974, with a celebratory event held at Uganda Christian University on Saturday. The proceedings were overseen by Cuba’s Vice President, Salvador Valdes Mesa.
In his address, Mesa expressed gratitude towards Uganda for sustaining the enduring diplomatic ties, despite the challenging United States embargo imposed on Cuba. He acknowledged Uganda and other African nations for their unwavering support, including their votes against the US economic embargo.
Assuring continued commitment, Mesa pledged that Cuba would actively contribute to maintaining and fostering its diplomatic relationship with Uganda. During the celebration, the Cuban government, represented by Ambassador Tania Perez Xiques, honored various individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the solidarity movement with Cuba.
Among those recognized were Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Judith Alyek (Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Equal Opportunities), and others who played key roles in enhancing the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The event attracted prominent officials, including Uganda’s Ambassador to Cuba, Elizabeth Sylvia Musazi, and key figures such as Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo (National Drug Authority board chairperson) and Dr. Charles Ayume (Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health).
Dr. Bitekyerezo, reflecting on his education at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in 1992 under Cuban doctors, emphasized the positive impact of Cuban teaching methods. Mbarara University, initiated by Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Fidel Castro, stands as one of the significant outcomes of Uganda’s diplomatic relations with Cuba.
The Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University, Prof. Celestino Obua, and several others were honored with medals by the Cuban government. Eng. Swabri Ali Mukungu, a beneficiary of the Ugandan government’s educational initiative in 1993, highlighted the substantial benefits Africa has derived from Cuba, spanning education, health, and military sectors.
Former Member of Parliament Florence Kintu Tumwine, who graduated from Cuba in 1989, emphasized Cuba’s resilience in the face of the US economic embargo for over 60 years. She suggested that Uganda could draw inspiration from Cuba’s ability to uphold its values, referencing the recent passing of an anti-homosexuality law.
Ambassador Musazi and Cuba’s Ambassador to Uganda, Tania Perez, officially launched the 50th-anniversary celebrations, with a grand ceremony planned for May. Deputy Vice Chancellor David Mugawe of Uganda Christian University expressed optimism about the university benefiting from the Cuba-Uganda relations.
The long-standing US embargo against Cuba, recognized as the most enduring trade embargo in modern history, has been in effect since March 14, 1958. Despite annual resolutions by the United Nations General Assembly demanding its end since 1992, the US continues to uphold the embargo, with only the US and Israel consistently voting against the resolutions.
