Hon. Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, paid an official visit to Canada, where he held high-level discussions with Hon. Arun Thangaraj, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada. The discussions focused on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on strengthening Uganda-Canada relations and expanding cooperation in strategic sectors.
Hon. Ayebare emphasised Uganda’s interest in deepening collaboration with Canada in key areas, including health, artificial intelligence (AI), oil drilling, minerals, energy and tourism. He noted that there are already Canadian companies expressing interest in investing in strategic projects in Uganda, including a Floating Solar Photovoltaic Plant at Isimba Hydropower Plant and the Rwenzori National Park Aerial Cable Transport Project.
On regional peace and security, Hon. Ayebare briefed his Canadian counterpart on developments in the region and highlighted the role of regional blocs in mediation and conflict resolution. He called for strengthened multilateral cooperation to support sustainable peace and stability in the region.
Hon. Ayebare also highlighted Uganda’s role as a major refugee-hosting country, noting that the country hosts approximately 1.5 million refugees, the majority of whom originate from neighbouring countries and the wider region. He explained that Uganda provides opportunities for refugees to integrate into the economy, with many contributing meaningfully through their skills and participation in economic activities. However, he noted that following the withdrawal of support by the United States, Uganda faces a funding deficit of approximately USD 1.5 billion to support the growing refugee population, underscoring the need for continued international solidarity and support for refugee-hosting countries.
The Minister also appreciated Canada’s measures to curtail the spread of Ebola and highlighted Uganda’s preparedness and robust public health systems for managing pandemics. He explained that Uganda recorded no domestic transmission of Ebola during the recent outbreak, while all imported cases were effectively managed. With Uganda now declared free of Ebola, Hon. Ayebare called upon the Canadian Government to reconsider the travel restrictions affecting Uganda, particularly those impacting students who risk losing an academic year and tuition fees already paid.
The Minister further briefed his counterpart on the Ugandan diaspora in Canada, describing it as exceptional and noting its contribution to both the Canadian and Ugandan economies. He observed that members of the Ugandan diaspora are engaged in various income-generating activities and professional fields, presenting an important bridge for strengthening people-to-people relations, trade and investment between the two countries.
Hon. Arun Thangaraj welcomed Hon. Ayebare to Canada and congratulated him on his appointment as Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. He noted that Hon. Ayebare is the first high-level dignitary to visit the newly renovated and commissioned Global Affairs Canada offices. Hon. Thangaraj reaffirmed Canada’s growing interest in Africa and referred to the new Canada-Africa Strategy launched in 2025 as an important framework for strengthening Canada’s engagement with the continent.
He also highlighted plans for a Trade Mission to Uganda, to be organised by the Uganda High Commission in collaboration with the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC). He emphasised the longstanding historical and economic ties between the Indian community in Canada and Uganda, noting the potential for these connections to further contribute to trade and investment between the two countries.
On regional peace and security, Hon. Thangaraj underscored the importance of investing in what he described as “green shoots” of peace by supporting initiatives that engage and benefit local communities. He emphasised that sustainable peace requires practical economic opportunities and projects that can help communities transition from conflict and instability towards productive economic development.
