Uganda wins prestigious Citrus Model Award in Dubai

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Uganda has won the prestigious Citrus Model Award at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The award recognises the innovative collaboration between the governments of Uganda and Korea, exemplifying their exemplary partnership in driving sustainable development and economic growth.

Foreign affairs state minister in charge of International Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello, received the award on behalf of the Government of Uganda.

Foreign affairs state minister in charge of International Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello, at the event (R). (Courtesy photo)

The February 12, 2025, event saw Oryem receive the award presented to him by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai ruling family and daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime minister of the UAE.

The Citrus Model Village project was implemented by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), with support from the Korean Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA), in response to the different challenges faced by citrus farmers.

The Citrus Model Village project was implemented by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). (Courtesy photo)

The challenges include pests and diseases, soil infertility and drought, and poor fruit quality, which results in low market uptake and income.

The project has been implemented in four areas across the citrus value chain including pest and disease management, integrated soil fertility and water management, citrus fruit quality management and value addition, and socioeconomics and market development for better citrus yields and incomes.

Uganda’s recognition underscores the paramount importance of international cooperation in achieving shared objectives.

According to a statement issued by the foreign affairs ministry, the Citrus Model Award serves as a testament to the fruitful partnership between Uganda and Korea, demonstrating the potential for South-South cooperation to yield significant and meaningful impacts.

The Citrus Model Award serves as a testament to the fruitful partnership between Uganda and Korea. (Courtesy photo)

The project is being undertaken by a team of experts, including John Adriko, Onesimus Semalulu, Edgar Tinyiro, Deborah Neumbe, Patrick Makhosi, David Bamwirire, Moses Matovu, and Norah Akaba.

Others are Alfred Otim, Barbara Atim, Lindah Kisembo, Caroline Asio, Emmanuel Ikwap, Bernard Opio, Doreen Nampamya, Patricia Driciru and Taeson Park.

The Citrus Model Award serves as a testament to the fruitful partnership between Uganda and Korea. (Courtesy photo)

MOU with digital schools

In the meantime, the minister has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UAE on Digital Schools. The signing took place at the World Government Summit 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the two nations’ collaborative efforts in education and technology.

According to the statement, the agreement underscores the shared objective of expanding the Digital School initiative throughout sub-Saharan Africa, thereby enhancing access to quality education and fostering digital literacy.  

“Through this partnership, the UAE’s expertise in digital education will be complemented by Uganda’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its education system. By collaborating, both countries will collectively create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for students,” the statement reads in parts.

It is an integral component of the UAE’s broader initiatives to support education initiatives globally.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, under which the Digital School operates, has been instrumental in promoting education and knowledge sharing.

“The signing of this MOU further solidifies the growing cooperation between Uganda and the UAE, building upon previous agreements and collaborations, notably the MOU signed on experience exchange in February 2024”.