Uganda to strengthen bilateral ties with Algeria  

Oryem Okello and Ambassador Farid Boulahbel (behind him) serve dinner during the celebration at the residence of the Ambassador in Nakasero on Wednesday. Photos by Ashraf Kasirye

Uganda will strengthen bilateral ties with Algeria across different sectors to facilitate mutual development of the two countries, government has pledged.

The state minister for foreign affairs, Henry Oryem Okello made the pledge during the commemoration of the 63^rd Anniversary since the Algerian Revolution was launched.

The anniversary celebrations were was held last evening at the residence of the Algerian Ambassador Farid Boulahbel in Nakasero, a Kampala suburb.

The Algerian revolution, which is also called Algerian War of Independence took place from 1954 to 1962 when Algeria gained independence from France.

The movement for independence began during world war one and gained momentum after French promises of greater self-rule in Algeria went unfulfilled after world war II in 1939 to 1945.

In 1954 the National liberation front (FLN) began a guerrilla war against France and sought diplomatic recognition at the United Nations to establish a sovereign Algerian state, the most serious fighting took place in and around Algiers the current capital.

After a prolonged fight, an agreement was signed in 1962, and Algeria became independent.

Vision Group managing director Robert Kabushenga (right) and other guests during the celebrations

Oryem thanked the Algerian government for supporting the Uganda people's Defense Forces (UPDF) in most of its missions, especially in Somalia to flush Al-Shabaab terrorists out of the East African region.

In 1996, Uganda and Algeria established a Joint commission of co-operation (JCC) which had its first session in Kampala and soon the second one will be organized.

Oryem noted that JCC's major role is to strengthen co-operation in the sectors of Trade and investment, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, education, security and defence.

"So far we are really doing well, especially in defense and security, there is no doubt that JCC will enhance the co-operation and both countries in all other sectors and our citizens plus the entire continent will be the greatest beneficiaries," he said.

The Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje (middle) his deputy Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo (right) with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador Dr Abdullah Fahad Al Qahtani and other guests during the anniversary celebrations

He also added that Uganda has continuously benefited from the academic training and scholarships offered directly to young Ugandans, especially in ICT and other fields of learning.

The minister stressed the fact that both countries have great and active roles in African affairs of development, peace and security majorly though the structures Africa Union hence lauding Algeria for keeping the spirit of pan Africanism alive.

"For instance, our countries have participated and supported the efforts to strengthen the African standby force, the AU enforcement arms, Intelligence organs and as well as peace support and humanitarian operations," he added.

Algerian  Ambassador Farid Boulahbel expressed gratitude towards Uganda for being a strategic partner of Algeria especially in building and developing each other.

"In May, Algeria was elected new chair of African Police (Afripol) and we gladly took over from Uganda. This is a clear manifestation that our countries are ready to grow together and lead Africa to greater development," he said.