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OPINION

By Dr Karin Boven

This year marks my fourth, and last, King’s Day in Uganda. On this day, the Netherlands celebrate His Majesty King Willem-Alexander’s birthday — a celebration that unites many Dutch people in a display of national pride and festivity.

Streets turn orange — as did my residence — and flea markets, street performances, traditional games and pop-up bars can be found in every corner of the Netherlands.

I am proud to be able to share these celebrations with the Ugandan people.

As I commemorate King’s Day 2024, I am honoured to reflect on my journey of the past four years as the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda and on the enduring partnership between our two countries.

During my tenure in Uganda, I have been privileged to build upon and witness firsthand the remarkable progress and development that has been achieved through Dutch investments and decades of Dutch-Ugandan collaboration.

From sustainable agriculture to innovative healthcare initiatives, our partnership has yielded tangible results that have positively impacted the lives of many Ugandans across the country.

One of the most inspiring aspects of my time here has been the resilience and ingenuity of the Ugandan people.

Despite facing numerous challenges, from economic disparities and shrinking civic space, to environmental pressures, Ugandans have demonstrated an unwavering spirit of determination and perseverance.

This resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and serves as a source of inspiration for us all. I am also reminded of the many impressive encounters I have had during my time in Uganda. Recently, for example, I visited female entrepreneurs in agribusiness that are supported through the WEADS programme.

One of them shared her business journey with me. She told me how she started growing mushrooms in her back garden and is now creating employment to mostly female employees and delivering mushrooms to hotels and restaurants.

It was inspiring to see how these women passed the micro-stage, and are growing their businesses while continuously innovating their products and paving the way for other women.

It also made them proud and confident, while being able to support their family and beyond.

Moreover, I had the privilege to travel to several refugee-hosting districts. Recently, I visited Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement again where I met so many resilient refugees and Ugandans alike.

They showed their strength to make something out of almost nothing and follow their dreams. And this visit demonstrated again the impact access to skills and job opportunities can have on someone’s life.

The Netherlands is also a key partner in strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights in Uganda. We are proud to have made a significant contribution to the impressive decline in maternal mortality, particularly through the ANSWER programme in West Nile and Acholi region, as demonstrated in the Uganda Demographic Health Survey.

The past year, we have increased our investments to ensure inclusive access to healthcare for all, and we will continue to do so.

Uganda is a young country, with nearly 70% of the population younger than 30 years. This is a strength to be built upon by enabling young people to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes and listening to their ideas for a brighter future.

I am proud of the youth networks we work with, whether our own Youth Advisory Committee, or our partner’s youth networks in agriculture, gender equality or democratic development.

The Netherlands stands as a staunch advocate for equality and human rights for all and remains committed to supporting Uganda on its journey towards a more just and equitable society. As I leave this country, I urge all stakeholders to let their actions reflect the values of compassion and understanding.

This is particularly important in an ever more chaotic world: with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, and closer to home, a war in Sudan and insecurity in South Sudan and DRC.

But also with issues such as economic insecurity, growing intolerance and the impact of climate change, challenging the stability in many countries.

These are challenges no one can face, let alone overcome, on their own. Strong partnerships within a well-functioning multilateral order are important pillars in working towards a better and more equal future in which each individual can live up to their full potential. In these relations, let us try to learn, share knowledge and listen to each other, so that we can overcome these challenges and grow together.

Therefore, the Netherlands remains steadfast in its support of Uganda’s development priorities, and we are committed to working hand in hand with our Ugandan partners.

As we look to the future, I am filled with optimism about the potential for continued collaboration and partnership between our two countries. So, on this auspicious occasion, let us celebrate the friendship between the Netherlands and Uganda and recommit ourselves to the shared values of cooperation, friendship, and mutual respect.

I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunities that I have had to contribute to this partnership, the friendships that were built during the past four years and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead — for my successor to work on.

The writer is the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda