Gen. Saleh Hails Strong Uganda , Dutch Relations

Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) co-ordinator Gen. Salim Saleh has commended the warmer Kampala-Hague relations, saying they benefit both Ugandans and the Dutch.

Uganda and the Netherlands have nurtured one of the most cordial and productive bilateral relationships over several decades.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1965, the two countries have steadily built a partnership founded on mutual respect, shared development priorities, trade and investment, and enduring people-to-people ties.

Both the Ugandan and Dutch government officials agree that the relationship has evolved from one centred largely on development assistance into a modern partnership driven by commerce, innovation, agriculture, and sustainable economic transformation.

Saleh, bidding farewell to outgoing Dutch Ambassador to Uganda Frederieke Quispel on Thursday, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the cordial partnership with the Dutch.

“The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral co-operation across shared priority areas, including trade, investment, agriculture, aquaculture, value addition, enterprise development and socio-economic transformation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration for the mutual benefit of both countries,” a statement reads.

Quispel, whose two-year tour of duty in Kampala ended on Friday, formally presented her credentials to President Yoweri Museveni in August 2024, officially commencing her diplomatic mission.

Saleh lauded Quispel for her dedication and professionalism in strengthening Uganda–Netherlands relations, describing her tenure as one marked by practical engagement and a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for both nations.

During the discussions, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral co-operation in trade, investment, agriculture, aquaculture, value addition, enterprise development, and socio-economic transformation.

They agreed that the solid foundation established over the years provides immense opportunities for even greater collaboration in the future.

According to analysts, the cordial relations between Kampala and The Hague have yielded tangible benefits for both countries.

Dutch investments have increasingly found a home in Uganda, particularly in agriculture, horticulture, dairy production, renewable energy, logistics, and agribusiness.

Enhanced productivity

At a recent farewell dinner at the Dutch Embassy in Kampala, Quispel told guests that modern farming technologies, irrigation systems, seed development, food processing, and market linkages have enhanced productivity and competitiveness among Ugandan farmers.

She added that the Netherlands has also supported initiatives that improve agricultural value chains, promote climate-smart farming, and strengthen food security, enabling Uganda to better exploit its agricultural potential.

Beyond agriculture, the partnership has fostered enterprise development and private sector growth.

The Netherlands has consistently encouraged Dutch businesses to explore investment opportunities in Uganda, while facilitating trade missions and business partnerships that connect entrepreneurs from both countries.

These engagements have generated employment, promoted innovation, and enhanced Uganda's integration into regional and international markets.

Equally important has been the flourishing people-to-people exchange between the citizens of the two nations.

The academic co-operation, cultural exchanges, tourism, development partnerships, and educational opportunities have been lauded for strengthening understanding and friendship between Ugandans and the Dutch people.

Quispel expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality she had received throughout her stay in Uganda and appreciated the constructive engagement she enjoyed with government leaders, the business community, and development stakeholders.

She reaffirmed the Kingdom of the Netherlands' commitment to sustaining cooperation with Uganda and pledged continued support for shared development priorities even as she assumes her new responsibilities at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

General Saleh wished Quispel success in her next assignment and thanked her for the remarkable contribution she made in advancing Uganda–Netherlands relations.

He said her efforts had further strengthened the already close partnership between the two countries and laid an even stronger foundation for future collaboration.