Gen. Saleh hails Uganda-Dutch relations
Uganda and the Netherlands have, over the decades, nurtured one of the most cordial and productive bilateral relationships.
Frederieke Quispel (fourth from left, in a light blue suit) and other European Union ambassadors during a visit to Gen. Salim Saleh’s home in Gulu on May 22, 2025. (File photo)
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The Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho aka Salim Saleh, has commended the Kampala-Hague relations as beneficial to both the people of Uganda and the Netherlands.
Uganda and the Netherlands have, over the decades, nurtured one of the most cordial and productive bilateral relationships.
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.
While bidding farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, Frederieke Quispel, on Thursday, July 16, Gen. Saleh, who is also Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the cordial and longstanding partnership with the Dutch.
“The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation 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,” states a media statement from OWC.
Hosting the ambassador at his farm in Nakaseke, Gen. 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.
They agreed that the solid foundation established over the years provides immense opportunities for even greater collaboration in the future.
Quispel also 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 noted that her efforts had further strengthened the already close partnership between the two countries and laid an even stronger foundation for future collaboration.
Quispel's two-year tour of duty in Kampala ended on Friday, July 17, 2026. She officially commenced her diplomatic tour in August 2024 when she formally presented her credentials to President Yoweri Museveni.
During the meeting, President Museveni commended Ambassador Quispel for her dedicated service and the significant role she played in strengthening the bilateral relations between Uganda and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
He particularly appreciated her contribution towards promoting cooperation and partnership between the two countries.
Museveni also encouraged her to continue promoting Uganda as an attractive investment destination, urging Dutch investors to take advantage of the country’s favourable investment climate and the numerous opportunities available across key sectors of the economy.
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.
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.