US celebrates Uganda’s 63rd independence, pledges stronger partnership

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In Washington, D.C., Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day was marked with a dynamic business breakfast hosted by Ambassador Robinah Kakonge at the prestigious Cosmos Club.

The event brought together members of the Ugandan diaspora, as well as East African, Costa Rican, and Panamanian diplomats, U.S. lawmakers, State Department officials, and private sector leaders from companies such as Boeing and SpaceX.

Amb. Kakonge said the event highlighted the growing ties between Uganda and the United States, with a shared focus on trade, agriculture, tourism, and youth-driven innovation.

“From agriculture to tourism to youth empowerment, the discussions pointed to a future where Uganda’s potential is fully realised through strategic collaboration,” she said.

Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day was marked with a dynamic business breakfast hosted by Ambassador Robinah Kakonge at the prestigious Cosmos Club. (Courtesy photo)

Delivering the keynote address, Dan Dunham, Director for Africa at the White House National Security Council, congratulated Uganda on its milestone and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to a dynamic, forward-looking partnership.

“Sixty-three years ago today, the people of Uganda took their rightful place among the free nations of the world, charting their own course toward self-determination, progress, and pride,” Dunham said.

He continued, “On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I extend our warmest congratulations to the government and people of the Republic of Uganda.”

The U.S.-Uganda relationship, which spans more than six decades, is built on cooperation in public health, education, regional security, and development.

However, Dunham remarked on a modern vision for partnership, one rooted in economic opportunity and private sector collaboration.

“We believe in trade, not aid. We want to see American and Ugandan businesses working side by side, in agriculture, tourism, energy, and technology. The future is private sector-led, youth-driven, and globally connected,” he stated.

He highlighted Uganda’s potential to become a regional and global leader in sustainable agriculture.

“From Uganda’s fertile farmlands to its world-renowned national parks, the country holds immense potential, not only to feed its people and region but to draw the world to its beauty, culture, and biodiversity,” he said.

He stressed the need for improved market access, value-added processing, and sustainable practices, noting U.S. interest in supporting Uganda through trade, investment, and technological collaboration.

“Uganda can be a regional breadbasket, and with the right partnerships, a global supplier of high-quality, sustainable agricultural products,” Dunham added.

Efforts to expand eco-tourism

Uganda’s tourism sector also took centre stage during the breakfast meeting. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the country is gaining traction as a premier global destination.

“From the majestic gorillas of Bwindi to the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the source of the Nile, Uganda is a treasure. The U.S. is eager to support efforts to expand eco-tourism, conservation, and international travel to Uganda,” Dunham noted.

Empowering Uganda's youth

With nearly 80% of Uganda’s population under 35, Dunham described the nation’s youth as its greatest asset.

He celebrated the rising generation of coders, artists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, emphasising their role in shaping Uganda’s future.

“The United States wants to partner with Uganda’s young leaders to unlock the future of food security, green energy, digital innovation, and creative enterprise,” he said.

Dunham also recognised the Ugandan diaspora in the U.S., whose contributions in healthcare, academia, business, and the arts, he said, continue to strengthen ties between the two nations. He noted that their work serves as a bridge, fostering mutual growth and cultural exchange.

On her part, Amb. Kakonge said that Uganda’s next chapter will be defined by innovation, opportunity, and a strengthened alliance with the United States.