Germany hails Uganda for regional stability

By Norman Katende

THE new Germany ambassador to Uganda, Dr. Peter Bomeyer has hailed Uganda’s peace initiative that has ended up producing stability in the region.

Speaking at an evening function as Germany celebrated the day of the unification of East and West Germany at his residence in Kololo, the ambassador hailed Uganda’s effort in bringing peace to the region, mostly in Somalia and South Sudan, saying that it is helping create a situation for development.

After 40 years of separation, the Berlin Wall was broken October 3 reuniting east and West Germany to become Germany.

“Uganda, situated in an unstable region, is exporting stability, be it in Somalia with its commitment to AMISOM, be it Uganda’s constructive role in the ICGLR, and be it Uganda as a driving force in EAC. All this is highly appreciated, as is the IGAD mediation for South Sudan which Uganda is an important partner of,” said Bomeyer in his maiden speech as the new ambassador at the celebrations attended by dignitaries and diplomats.

He also hailed Uganda’s role in developing her people saying that they have internally helped move the country forward.

“Uganda has managed to reduce absolute poverty by more than half, reaching this millennium development goal; it is building on its infrastructure, and it is developing now far reaching and ambitious plans to become an upper middle income country by 2040.”

Henry Oryem Okello, who was standing in as foreign affairs minister said that they were still counting on their Germany friends in helping them achieve the goals that UN President Sam Kuteesa is chasing of reforming the security council, promotion of peaceful settlement of disputes, gender equality and empowerment of women, mitigating climate change and enhancing cooperation between UN and regional organisations.

He noted that though the current crisis of Syria, Libya, South Sudan and Central African Republic may paint a gloomy and hopeless situation for the world peace.

“We have to endeavour to use peaceful dialogue to resolve and end this situation and seek solutions for human prosperity without exacerbating the problems”.