First Lady bids farewell to outgoing Israeli Ambassador

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The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni, has held talks with the outgoing Ambassador of the State of Israel to Uganda, Michael Lotem.

During the meeting on Wednesday at State House Nakasero, to bid farewell to Lotem, the First Lady acknowledged the strong bilateral ties between Uganda and Israel.

Mrs. Museveni, who extended appreciation to the envoy as his tour of duty in Uganda comes to an end, also expressed gratitude for Israel's historic support in education, agriculture, and capacity building.

A release from her office states that the First Lady acknowledged Israel's current challenges and assured the Ambassador of Uganda's unwavering friendship, continued prayers, and support.

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni had bid farewell to outgoing Israeli Ambassador to Uganda Michael Lotem. (PPU photo)

"We know our programs have been put on hold for some time, and we really do understand the challenges that the State of Israel is going through right now," the First Lady said.

"We are a people who pray for Israel, and believe that God knows what is happening to your homeland. We trust that this won't always be like this."

We will continue to pray for Israel and for your Prime Minister and government. There is nothing that is happening that God does not know about," she said.

The First Lady and Ambassador Lotem discussed key suspended bilateral programs, including the Agro-Studies program, which provided Ugandan students with hands-on agricultural training in Israel, and the Mashav program, which offered short courses benefiting various participants, including teachers.

She also expressed concern about delays in the Bridgin Foundation's proposed education financing initiative, previously introduced by former Israeli envoys.

In his remarks, Ambassador Lotem extended gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its unwavering friendship and support.

Reflecting on the current crisis in Israel, Ambassador Lotem discussed the challenges of global misinformation and rising antisemitism, particularly in Western media.

He urged Uganda, as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, to stand in solidarity with Israel in international forums, especially during upcoming UN deliberations.

Ambassador Lotem explained that the Agro Studies program's suspension across several countries resulted from students abandoning their placements. He expressed openness to renewed cooperation through Mashav, Israel's international development arm, and showed interest in future collaboration on agricultural innovation, public health, and joint university research programs.

The Ambassador, who revealed that there were potential new partnerships with Israeli companies in Uganda's education sector, called for careful evaluation of future proposals to ensure transparency and impact.

Ambassador Lotem thanked the First Lady and President Yoweri Museveni for their steadfast support and warmth, highlighting the unique solidarity Uganda has shown Israel during these challenging times.

"I always say that friends don’t come easily these days. But Uganda has been a true friend. For that, we are deeply grateful," he added.

Dignitaries at the meeting included: the Deputy Ambassador of the State of Israel to Uganda, Mrs Ariel Arviv, the Honorary Consul of Israel to Uganda, Mrs Ishta Kutesa Muganga, plus the Permanent Secretary of the Education and Sports Ministry Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda.