Uganda finds permanent home in Rwanda

The Uganda High Commission to Rwanda has a mission to promote and strengthen our historical bilateral relations with Rwanda through trade, investment and education as well as regional integration under the East African Community.

One of the core responsibilities of the High Commission is to deliver the best possible counsel to Ugandan citizens, who find themselves in an emergency situation in Rwanda or are in need of the High Commission’s assistance for other reasons. Ugandan citizens in distress are always welcome to contact the Uganda High Commission.

This relationship between Uganda and Rwanda has over the years grown from just mere neighbors to more of a family relationship with each of the countries becoming closer and supportive to each other in social, economic and politics aspects.

As a result of this steadfast growing relationship, on 1st march 2013, marked the day when Uganda officially unveiled the new master plan of the proposed construction site- where the consulate will have a permanent office in Rwanda.

The Uganda High Commission in Rwanda held a groundbreaking ceremony at its new proposed site where the new embassy will be built in a period of eighteen (18) months. The ceremony was presided over by Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Kutesa, in the presence of Uganda’s Ambassador to Rwanda, H.E Richard T. Kabonero, Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary, Mary Baine (on Behalf of Minister Louise Mushikiwabo.

Also present was the Mayor of Kigali City, Fidel Ndayisaba, local government officials from both countries, and the Construction Company and its consultants (M/S Seyani Brothers& Co. limited).

The mission is currently located in Nyarutarama, in a rented condo, but soon or later this year, if all goes well, the Ugandan High Commission will comfortably be located in its own home- worth 9.7billion Uganda Shillings,.

Accessibility

The new embassy location will be accessible in Kacyiru, Plot 721, Route 75, near the ministry of Agriculture office. This area is adjacent to the roadside – a two minute drive off the main road and also surrounded by a couple of embassies in the nearby vicinity.

EAC drive

Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Kutesa, who represented the government of Uganda at the ceremony, said that the new construction was a clear indication of the existing strong bilateral cooperation between two countries.

“This shows our permanent stay in Rwanda. Our relationship has now greatly warmed up and it’s a clear manifestation of strong cooperation,” he said.

Kutesa also hailed ambassador Kabonero for his hard work and zeal to build a strong relationship between the two countries, and especially pushing Uganda’s finance ministry to build their consulate in Rwanda.

Mary Baine, who represented the Foreign Affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo promised that government, would provide all the necessary support for the construction of the chancery.

She said that to have embassies or high commissions owning their own premises, was critical to the implementation of the East African Community agreements in which countries are encouraged to invest more in their embassies, especially building their own consulates.

“It’s an important landmark, having a project like this. It’s a clear indication that you’re attached to your embassy here in Kigali. Rwanda government will provide support to make this project a success,” she said.

Sealed relationship

On 20th July 2012, at the President’s office (Urugwiro Village), in Kigali; seventy Ugandans from the Association of Ugandans in Rwanda (AUR) paid a courtesy visit to President Paul Kagame. The Association which represents over 4000 Ugandans living in Rwanda began by expressing their appreciation for the welcoming environment in Rwanda.

Haji Issa Bogere told President Kagame that Ugandans in Rwanda were committed to collaboration between both countries in the field of cross border trade as well as mutual understanding and friendship.

President Kagame thanked the Ugandan community for their commitment to good relationships between Rwandans and Ugandans regardless of past diplomatic relations. “Rwandans and Ugandans should relate in a way that sets the example for not only East Africa but the whole continent,” President Kagame said adding that ties between Uganda and Rwanda are stronger than one could imagine.

President Kagame assured the members of the Ugandan community that Rwanda was committed to ensuring they all feel at home and benefit from their time in Rwanda as all Rwandans who are working to improve their lives.

“Thank you for the security you have given to us in this country…I am a teacher, I can take advantage of Teacher Sacco, get advantages at the bank and I feel at home,” said one member of the community.

”Your presence here is important to yourselves and to us and to bringing about wider East African integration.” President Kagame said.

“Rwanda and Uganda shall remain united so as to serve their people without boundaries. United we stand, divided we fall.”

Hundreds of Ugandans live and work in Rwanda in both the public and private sectors.

Mr. Kabonero, who described Kagame as a Statesman, commended the relations between the two countries, describing them as “fraternal, deep and historic”.

He also said similar functions had been held yearly to remind Ugandans living in Rwanda about the independence of their country and their role to create positive impact on its economy

Regional prospects

Uganda is to establish permanent diplomatic representation in South Sudan by constructing a chancellery building in the capital Juba. This comes after the Government of South Sudan gave Uganda a plot of land, according to Ambassador James Mugume, the ministry of foreign affairs permanent secretary.

Uganda was the first country to open a diplomatic mission in Juba following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between Khartoum and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA).

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