President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday bid farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E. Karin Boven, at State Lodge, Nakasero.
H.E. Boven concluded her four-year tenure in Uganda.
The President expressed his appreciation to H.E. Boven for her distinguished service to Uganda and wished her success in her future endeavors.
President Museveni also recounted Uganda’s political history, highlighting that before the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government came to power, the East African country was a failed state. He credited the nation’s progressive development, peace, and security to the correct ideology of the current government.
“The setbacks we had in the past were due to philosophical, ideological, and strategic mistakes,” he noted.
Ambassador Boven shared that she had enjoyed her stay in Uganda and assured that the Netherlands would continue to collaborate with Uganda in various sectors, especially agriculture.
“I have met many people, including partners of our programs, refugees and host communities, female entrepreneurs, and farmers. As you know, the Netherlands has significant programs in agriculture and agribusiness. You may have heard about the best farmers competition in Uganda, supported by the Netherlands,” H.E. Boven remarked.
She further mentioned that Uganda hosts a substantial number of Dutch entrepreneurs involved in agribusiness and tourism.
“They are very adventurous and seek innovative ways to promote business in Uganda. I feel proud to see my fellow countrymen here in Uganda with substantial developmental programs,” she said.
She also praised Uganda, under the wise leadership of President Museveni, for its hospitality towards refugees.
In response, President Museveni noted that Uganda’s welcoming stance towards refugees from across Africa stems from its ideological principle of Pan-Africanism.
“We do not believe in dividing Africa; we aim to unite it. We discourage xenophobia and parochialism. Many Africans from Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, and even Khartoum have started coming here. If a refugee can support themselves, we allow them to do so without confining them to camps, enabling them to integrate easily,” he explained.
During the meeting, both leaders agreed on the crucial role of the private sector in the socio-economic transformation of any country.
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