Uganda’s new chancery building in DRC opened
Nov 19, 2023
Mulimba was represented at the event by the chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs Norah Bigirwa Nyendwoha.
A chancery is the principal office that houses a diplomatic mission or an embassy. This often includes the associated building and the site.
John Odyek
Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda’s new chancery building in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been officially opened.
It is expected to boost relations between the two countries.
A chancery is the principal office that houses a diplomatic mission or an embassy. This often includes the associated building and the site.
The minister of State for foreign affairs in charge of regional affairs John Mulimba officiated at the event. It took place on Saturday 18th November 2023 in Kinshasa, DRC.
Mulimba was represented at the event by the chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs Norah Bigirwa Nyendwoha.
Mulimba said that the new chancery marks the beginning of a new chapter in Uganda's diplomatic presence in the DRC.
“We have a platform from which we can enhance our collaboration, deepen our partnerships, and achieve meaningful outcomes that benefit both our nations. The new chancery is a testimony to warm and cordial bilateral relations between the two countries”.
“Let us seize this opportunity to foster dialogue, nurture diplomacy, and generate innovative solutions that contribute to the realisation of socio-economic transformation for both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Mulimba explained.
He thanked the Minister of Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo for the warm welcome given to the Uganda delegation.
He appreciated the decision to remove the entry visa requirements for the nationals of the two countries.
He appreciated the staff, the contract management team, the consultant the contractor, and all those who have contributed to the successful completion of this Chancery.
He noted that Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo share a long history and a common destiny. “We are two neighbouring countries with rich natural resources and a large population. Both Countries recognise the importance of regional stability and economic cooperation for our mutual benefit”.
Mulimba indicated that the two countries cooperate to promote peace and security, cross-border trade, infrastructure development (roads and energy), and regional integration as a cornerstone for the development of our two countries.
Uganda’s head of mission in Kinshasa, DRC Ambassador Farid Kaliisa said that the two countries decided to normalize their diplomatic relations in 2007. At that time the chancery building of Uganda in Kinshasa was almost dilapidated.
Hence, the Government of Uganda decided to demolish the previous structure and build a new and modern building, which we are putting into service today. The construction project spanned from June 2021 to the end of August 2023.
“This new building is more than just a new office space for the Ugandan Embassy. It symbolises the deep and abiding ties between Uganda and the DRC. It is a place where people from Uganda and the DRC can come together to learn from each other, share ideas and build partnerships,” Kaliisa said.
Kaliisa said that the name of the street passing right in front of this building is Avenue Ouganda and is the only street in Kinshasa named after a country.
She noted that this street has been called so since the 1970s and has never changed its name, not even during the troubled pages of the two countries’ shared history.
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