Museveni receives credentials of new envoys

President Yoweri Museveni has received credentials of seven newly appointed envoys to Uganda at separate ceremonies held Tuesday afternoon at State House, Entebbe. The foreign affairs minister Sam Kuteesa witnessed the ceremonies.

The new Ambassadors and High Commissioners are from Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Morocco, Ireland and Portugal.

Museveni welcomed the envoys to Uganda and assured them of the NRM government's commitment to ensuring that they are enabled to execute their respective mandates during their tour of duties in Uganda.

The President who first received the credentials of the Kenyan High Commissioner, Julius Kiema Kalonzo, commended the increasing volume of trade between the two East African Community members.

Julius Kiema Kilonzo shares a toast with President Museveni after presenting his credentials. PPU Photo

Uganda has in the past year exported more goods to Kenya and in the month of January, Uganda's exports to Kenya amounted to Ksh18b while Kenya's exports to Uganda stood at Ksh8b.

The new Irish Ambassador, William John Carlos, conveyed greetings from President Michael D. Higgins to President Museveni. He commended the President and the government of Uganda for the warm hospitality accorded to refugees.

William John Carlos presents his credentials to President Museveni. PPU Photo

"Uganda has done a very commendable job taking in refugees from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo," he said.

Museveni said that the people coming from South Sudan and the DRC are part of the local tribes in Uganda and are not likely to get a cultural shock during their presence in the country. He said the only challenge Uganda is facing is logistics to cater for the welfare of the refugees.

Museveni and the new Tanzanian High Commissioner, Dr Aziz Ponary Mlima, called for more infrastructure projects between the two neighbours.

Aziz Ponary Mlima presents his credentials to President Museveni at State House. PPU Photo

The President used the occasion to once again express his sincere condolences to the people of Tanzania upon the loss of lives after the tragic accident on Lake Victoria last week where the MV Nyerere ferry capsized drowning over 100 people.

Later, Museveni received the letters of credence of the new Moroccan envoy, Abdelilah Benryane, who commended the President's leadership and vision of economic independence.

Abdelilah Benryane presents his credentials to President Museveni. PPU Photo

Benryane disclosed that Morocco looks forward to signing bilateral agreements with Uganda on education, investment, political consultation, health and sanitation as well as agriculture.

The new Malawi High Commissioner, Agrina Mussa, conveyed to Museveni and to the people of Uganda greetings from President Peter Mutharika.

Agrina Mussa with President Museveni after presenting her credentials. PPU Photo

The new Portuguese Ambassador, Antonio Gaspar Inocenio, commended the Government of Uganda for welcoming refugees. He called for more cooperation between Uganda and Portugal in the tourism sector.

Antonio Gaspar Inocenio shares a light moment with President Museveni after presenting his credentials. PPU Photo

Museveni and the new Mozambican High Commissioner, Bernardo Constantino, reminisced about the liberation struggle in Mozambique by the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO). Constatino also conveyed greetings from President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique.