EU explains envoy Ridolfi's departure

Jul 24, 2013

The European Union delegation in Kampala has said Ambassador Roberto Ridolfi is leaving on a promotion, contrary to other reports.

By Anne Mugisa

The European Union delegation in Kampala has said Ambassador Roberto Ridolfi is leaving on a promotion, contrary to reports that his departure is over a clash with Government.

In a Tuesday ress release, the delegation stated that The Daily Monitor distorted the foreseen departure of the EU Ambassador from Uganda.

“It is disconcerting to see that, yet again, The Daily Monitor has produced an article crammed with factual errors and deliberate distortion of events,” the statement signed by the EU Press and Information officer, Simon Kasyate, stated.

The delegation asserted that the only correct fact in the article is that Ambassador Roberto Ridolfi is leaving his post as EU envoy to Uganda.

They explained that his new post represents a major promotion as he will become Director in the Development and Cooperation Directorate-General of the European Commission, in charge of Sustainable Growth and Development.

They stated that the selection process has been long and thorough involving several other highly qualified candidates and Ridolfi was judged the most suitable candidate for “this very important position”.

They said his impressive performance as Ambassador to Uganda was a major factor in the EU’s decision.

“During his tenure, Uganda-EU relations have been at an all-time-high and the partnership between the EU and the Government of Uganda has been excellent,” the statement said.

They stated that Ridolfi will continue his commitment to the development of Uganda in his new position and “will keep lovely memories of the beautiful country and people of Uganda.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also slammed The Daily Monitor over the report.

The foreign affairs permanent secretary, Ambassador James Mugume, said Ridolfi’s departure is a normal rotation of ambassadors.

The Daily Monitor wrote on Tuesday that Ridolfi was leaving prematurely following “his public criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s perceived succession plan.

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