SERBIA – During his two-day official visit to Serbia, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commended the Republic of Serbia for maintaining a strong and enduring bilateral relationship with Uganda. The President expressed his appreciation during a meeting with his Serbian counterpart, H.E Aleksandar Vucic, held at the Presidential Palace in Belgrade.
President Museveni highlighted the long-standing history of cooperation between Uganda and Serbia, which dates back to the 1950s. He acknowledged the significant contributions of Yugoslavian companies in Uganda, particularly the construction of the renowned Nile International Conference Centre and Hotel in 1970. Additionally, Uganda acquired boats from Yugoslavia that are still utilized by their marines on Lake Victoria. President Museveni also expressed satisfaction with Serbia’s stability and development, as it signals resurgence in their collaboration.
President Museveni also praised the late President of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Marshal Josip Broz Tito, for his leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). He emphasized how Uganda respected Marshal Tito’s neutral stance during the disagreements between the Soviet Union and China adding ” This principled approach was highly admired by Uganda’s leaders, including the esteemed Mwalimu Nyerere, the President of Tanzania at that time”.
In response, Serbian President H.E Aleksandar Vucic reaffirmed his commitment to providing unwavering support and cooperation to Uganda. He pledged to ensure that the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between the two countries are effectively implemented. President Vucic also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his genuine affection for Serbia and his keen interest in the European nation’s history.
As a testament to their strengthened ties, the governments of Uganda and Serbia signed two significant MOUs aimed at deepening trade and agricultural cooperation. The economic Cooperation MOU, signed by Hon. Harriet Ntabazi on behalf of Uganda and Mr. Tomislav Momirovic on behalf of Serbia, aims to promote economic development in mutual interest sectors on the basis of equality.
The second MOU, centered on agriculture, was signed by Ms. Jelena Tanaskovic, Serbia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management, and Mr. Bright Rwamirama, Uganda’s Minister of State for Animal Industry. This agreement will foster cooperation in promoting climate-smart sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security, and facilitating the transfer of agricultural technology between the two nations.
The high-level meeting was also attended by other key officials, including the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Monica Musenero, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Senior Presidential Advisor-Special Duties and Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), among others.
With the signing of these MOUs, both countries look forward to a promising future of mutual growth and cooperation, building on their historical ties of friendship and shared values.
