In the past six decades, Germany and Uganda have established a strong relationship based on mutual respect and development cooperation. Germany has been actively supporting various development programs in Uganda, including agriculture and energy development. Matthias Schauer, the German Ambassador to Uganda, recently discussed the historical significance of Germany’s reunification and its continued support for Uganda’s development agenda.
On October 3, Germany commemorates the end of World War II and the reunification of the country. After the war, Germany was divided into four zones, leading to the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany in the west and the German Democratic Republic in the east. The Berlin Wall, a symbol of division, separated East and West Germany, resulting in tragic consequences for those trying to cross it. In 1989, peaceful demonstrations and political changes led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the eventual reunification of Germany.
Ambassador Schauer acknowledges that the journey of reunification was challenging, involving economic transformation and overcoming cultural differences. While significant progress has been made, disparities in living standards and unemployment still exist between the east and west regions of Germany. The country continues to work towards achieving equality and unity.
Germany’s federal system, with 16 regions, has been effective in decentralizing power and addressing regional issues. The regions have autonomy in areas such as education, culture, and law enforcement, allowing them to tailor solutions to local problems.
Ambassador Schauer also highlighted key challenges, such as regional disparities and the rise of right-wing parties in eastern Germany. Germany’s foreign policy emphasizes European cooperation, the transatlantic partnership with the USA, and participation in NATO. The country is committed to global peace, security, climate action, and human rights.
Germany’s foreign policy focuses on security, stability, climate protection, crisis prevention, humanitarian assistance, women’s empowerment, economic support, and cultural exchange.
In 2022, Germany pledged 68.8 million euros for development cooperation with Uganda. The cooperation primarily targets rural development and agriculture, energy sector support, and good governance. Initiatives include economic skill training for small-scale farmers, access to affordable energy, and efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in Uganda.
Germany’s commitment to development extends to media training for Ugandan journalists through the Deutsche Welle Academy.
