McAleese Meets Museveni

By Vision Reporter THE President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, has commended President Yoweri Museveni’s political reforms. McAleese said at a dinner hosted by Museveni at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Sunday, that because of clear political leadership, Uganda’s poverty reduction levels from 56% to 35% over a seven-year period was unparalleled in Africa. “Uganda’s first decades of independence were troubled and saw appaling abuses during Idi Amin’s reign of terror. I congratulate you, Mr. President, on creating the environment in which Uganda resumed a path of progress toward an open, more inclusive and prosperous society,” McAleese said. She said, “Sixteen years ago you announced a programme which would “usher in a new and better future for Uganda, built on the principles of democracy, security, elimination of corruption. In a relatively short time, you have made so many of these aspirations a reality and earned respect both within and outside Uganda.” She said, “We are also proud to be part of such progressive initiatives as Universal Primary Education and the fight against AIDS, both areas where Uganda, under your leadership, has made striking progress.” Museveni asked Ireland to help Uganda modernise its agriculture. He said lack of expertise had slowed growth. Ends