Entebbe, Uganda – H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to regional integration, economic diplomacy, and strengthened bilateral cooperation, calling on East African Community (EAC) Partner States to accelerate the implementation of the East African Common Market by eliminating protectionist trade barriers that constrain regional commerce and economic transformation.
The President made the remarks at State House Entebbe during the presentation of Letters of Credence by four Heads of Mission-designate, formally accrediting them to represent their respective countries in the Republic of Uganda. The ceremony welcomed H.E. Amb. Ababu Namwamba, High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Kenya; H.E. Sangho Lee, Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Korea; H.E. Maj. Gen. Marco Elisha Gaguti, High Commissioner-designate of the United Republic of Tanzania; and H.E. Gabriel Pandureni Sinimbo, High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Namibia.
The presentation of Letters of Credence is a longstanding diplomatic tradition that formally marks the commencement of an envoy’s official mandate and reaffirms the mutual commitment of states to advancing bilateral relations and international cooperation. In his engagement with Kenya’s High Commissioner-designate, President Museveni underscored that the future prosperity of East Africa depends on the full realisation of the East African Common Market through the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. He cautioned that the continued imposition of tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and restrictive trade measures among Partner States undermines regional competitiveness, limits investment opportunities, and ultimately disadvantages businesses and consumers across the region.
Drawing parallels with the evolution of other successful regional economies, the President observed that sustainable economic growth is anchored in expanding markets rather than fragmented national protectionism. Reflecting on Uganda’s trade policy, President Museveni cited the Government’s decision to continue allowing rice imports from Tanzania despite appeals from domestic producers to impose restrictions. He explained that the policy was informed by broader regional integration objectives and long-term economic considerations.
According to the President, restricting Tanzanian rice would have adversely affected a neighbouring economy, increased the cost of living for Ugandan consumers, reduced incentives for domestic producers to improve productivity and competitiveness, and weakened the foundational principles of the East African Common Market. He stressed that genuine regional integration requires Partner States to pursue policies that strengthen collective prosperity, enhance productive competitiveness, and promote inclusive economic development across the region.
High Commissioner-designate Amb. Ababu Namwamba conveyed warm greetings from H.E. President William Ruto and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Uganda. Describing the East African Community as a cornerstone for regional prosperity, Amb. Namwamba pledged to place commercial diplomacy at the centre of his diplomatic engagement by expanding bilateral trade, facilitating investment, and promoting the removal of unnecessary trade barriers. He further committed to supporting initiatives that facilitate the free movement of goods and strengthen economic linkages between the two neighbouring countries.
Amb. Namwamba also reflected on his longstanding personal connection with Uganda, noting that his family lived and worked in the country for many years, an experience that continues to shape his appreciation of the close historical and cultural ties shared between the two nations.
Uganda and the Republic of Korea Strengthen Strategic Partnership
President Museveni also received H.E. Sangho Lee, Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Korea, who delivered greetings from H.E. President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed Seoul’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with Uganda. The Ambassador expressed his government’s interest in further strengthening collaboration across areas of mutual benefit, including trade, investment, technology, innovation, education, and development cooperation.
President Museveni reflected on the longstanding friendship between Uganda and the Korean people, acknowledging the significant contribution of Korean professionals to Uganda’s development over several decades. He noted that Uganda values its constructive relations with the Republic of Korea while maintaining its longstanding foreign policy principle of engaging all nations based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and shared development.
President Museveni also received Letters of Credence from H.E. Maj. Gen. Marco Elisha Gaguti, High Commissioner-designate of the United Republic of Tanzania, and H.E. Gabriel Pandureni Sinimbo, High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Namibia. The two Heads of Mission reaffirmed their respective Governments’ commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendship, solidarity, and cooperation that have characterised relations with Uganda over the years. President Museveni welcomed the envoys and assured them of Uganda’s full support in the execution of their diplomatic mandates. He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to peaceful diplomacy, South-South cooperation, regional stability, and mutually beneficial partnerships that promote sustainable development, trade, and investment.
The presentation of credentials by the four Heads of Mission reflects Uganda’s continued engagement with partners across Africa and Asia in pursuit of its foreign policy objectives, particularly the promotion of economic and commercial diplomacy, regional integration, peace, and sustainable development. The ceremony was attended by the Acting Minister of foreign affairs and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs), Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other Government representatives.
Photo Credit: PPU
