Six new envoys present credentials to Museveni

By Vision Reporter

President Yoweri Museveni has received six new ambassadors and High Commissioners from Iran, Pakistan, Serbia, Canada, Malaysia and Poland at State House Entebbe.

The new ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda H.E Amir Hussein Nikbin pledged to strengthen further the relationship between the two countries.

Museveni and the new envoy discussed various bilateral issues concerning the two countries. Uganda has benefitted from the various scholarships extended by the Islamic Republic of Iran critical in building the country's human resource.

It has also funded projects such as the police health center, construction of a modern abattoir in Kampala, the Iran- Uganda Naguru Health Center and the Katonga agriculture and processing project.

The new ambassador of Pakistan to Uganda H.E Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui also presented his credentials
The two discussed a range of issues which included promoting modern agricultural production in Uganda. The two leaders said the bilateral trade between the two countries can be enhanced through diversification of product range.

Mr. Rafiuzzaman said his country has been a victim of terrorism but noted that with the recent democratic processes the country is steadily moving forward .He commended Uganda for the cooperation between the two countries.

President Museveni also received credentials of the new ambassador of Serbia to Uganda H.E Ivan Zivkovic. The two deliberated on both economic and political issues between the two countries.

The new Canadian High Commissioner to Uganda H.E David Angella also presented his credentials.

He commended Uganda and the President for the cooperation between the two countries. President Museveni extended his invitation to the Canadian investors to come and do business in the country.

Canada maintains good bilateral relations with Uganda, particularly within the Commonwealth.

Canada's engagement with Uganda aims to assist the government and people of Uganda to lay the foundations for a lasting peace in Uganda and the broader region.

 Canada also provides humanitarian assistance for conflict and disaster-affected populations and targeted support to building Ugandan Peacekeeping Capacity.

Ambassador Angella appealed to the President against the criminalization of homosexuality. The President however emphasized that the government does not persecute, discriminate or kill homosexuals but is against its promotion, flaunting and luring of young children into the act.

While presenting his credentials, the new Malaysian High Commissioner to Uganda Mr. Ismail Salam expressed his country’s interests in investing in Uganda especially in the palm oil sector.

BIDCO, Malaysian Company is already operating in Uganda (Kalangala) at the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni.
Malaysia, the largest palm oil producing country in the world is seeking an opportunity to export its palm oil and related products to Uganda as it moves to strengthen its market position.

 The new ambassador of Poland H.E Marek Ziolkowski while presenting his credentials appreciated the President and the Government of Uganda for having hosted the Polish refugees who lived in Uganda from 1942-1947.

He said that his Government has embarked on building a health facility in Uganda as a token of appreciation to the government of Uganda.

Uganda hosted Polish refugees during and after WWII. In late 1942, estimates put the number of refugees in Uganda to between 4000 and 7000 mainly women and children.

They were settled, in two camps, Nyabyeya, in Masindi district and Koja (Mpunga) in Mukono district between 1942 and 1952. The President extended his invitation to the Polish business community especially in the area of Agro processing to invest in Uganda.

The function was attended by the State Minister for Regional Cooperation Asuman Kiyingi.