Tayebwa lauds Uganda’s embassy in Pretoria for strengthening trade, bilateral ties

Kampala: Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has hailed Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru, for advancing the country’s economic agenda in the southern part of the continent.

Tayebwa hosted Amoru in his office at Parliament House on Thursday for substantive discussions regarding Uganda’s focal interests in the six countries of his Southern Africa accreditation.

In a tweet from his official account, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa commended Amoru’s unwavering dedication to advancing Uganda’s economic and developmental agenda and strengthening government-to-government ties.

Amb. Amoru, who holds accreditation to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho, expressed gratitude towards the Deputy Speaker for his leadership and support.

Pledging to further promote commercial and economic diplomacy, Amb. Amoru re-emphasized commitment to deepening bilateral ties and offering diligent service to Ugandans and friends of Uganda within his area of accreditation.

In the last one year, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria has demonstrated commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and all the six countries of accreditation in Southern Africa, achieving notable milestones.

Of particular significance are the successful hosting of the 2nd Session of the Uganda-South
Africa Joint Commission of Cooperation Kampala in 2022 and in Pretoria in 2023, President Museveni’s State Visit to South Africa in 2023, and two successful Uganda-South Africa Trade, Tourism, and Investment Summits held in Johannesburg and Kampala.

Additionally, Uganda secured an agreement on a roadmap for visa waivers for holders of ordinary
passports, and successfully organised a Business Forum in partnership with WESGRO in Western Cape.

November 2023 marked a monumental occasion in Pretoria with the inaugural Convention of Ugandans in Southern Africa, demonstrating the growing presence and influence of the Ugandan community in the region.

The meeting with the Deputy Speaker took place amidst a significant mission to Uganda by Scientists from Botswana, coordinated by Amb. Amoru, indicating an intent to facilitate the outcome of a vital bilateral meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and his Botswana counterpart, President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi.

This collaboration aims to address animal health and disease control, with a specific focus on Foot and Mouth Disease, with potential monumental benefits to Uganda’s export value for agricultural products such as milk and beef.

These achievements have solidified collaboration across various sectors, thereby amplifying their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations spanning from tourism and transport to
correctional services, prisons, and ICTs.