Don't lecture to us, Gov't tells donors

By Henry Mukasa

The Government has told donor countries to use respect for each country's traditions as a benchmark for diplomatic relations.

In this respect, Acting foreign affairs minister, Okello Oryem said Uganda has made important strides in the protection of human rights and democratization along the way.

“There's need for respect and tolerance for each other’s traditions because lectures and policing will not be helpful to our relations," he said.

Oryem was speaking during celebrations to mark the 236th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America at the country’s embassy in Nsambya Thursday evening. The U.S. marks its independence every July 3rd.

The minister’s remarks were in response to those by the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires, Virginia M. Blaser, who said her country is disappointed that its annual $400m investment in Uganda's health sector was reflected in the healthcare service delivery.

The American envoy also complained about the ever declining health budget as a percentage of the national budget "hence falling further and further below the 15 percent target Uganda committed itself in the Abuja Declaration."

In the health sector, the US funds programmes aimed at stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS; fight against malaria and save mothers' lives during childbirth.

"Uganda's unacceptably high maternal mortality rate is a tragedy that adds up to almost 6,000 Ugandan women per year dying preventable deaths, leaving behind children, husbands and families," Blaser noted. 

"I have to say that these [maternal] deaths are utterly inexcusable," she observed. 

Her advice was clear: Uganda needs to spend more, not less, to reverse trends that are leaving Ugandans without basic health care

Uganda has an elevated maternal mortality rate, an alarming growth in HIV prevalence, and the second highest population growth rate in the world.

Blaser urged every Ugandan to remain vigilant against infringement on fundamental human rights, including press freedom, and to protect the rights of minority populations and women. 

Protecting these rights is critical, she emphasized, quoting Martin Luther King, Jr.’s as “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Oryem lauded the support the U.S. gives Uganda's health sector, the operations to end the LRA rebels' menace, and the African Union efforts to pacify Somalia.

"Our region has become susceptible to terrorist attacks. For the region to be stable, Somalia needs to be freed of extremists who believe in terrorism," Oryem said.

Several ministers, envoys, MPs, professions and US citizens wined and dined at the function.