Uganda, UAE Deepen Ties to Catalyse Institutional Development, Modernisation

Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share experience on government development and modernization.

The deal, which was signed on February 13, on the margins of the ongoing World Governments Summit taking place in Dubai, is aimed at developing joint efforts to promote institutional capabilities and enhance governance in the field of developing government work, building institutional capacities and skills for the future.

The Ministry of Public Service in Uganda will be the implementing partner and will collaborate with the UAE counterpart to coordinate and facilitate cooperative activities under the MoU. These include but not limited to Strategic Human Resource Management, Public Service Excellence and Innovation, Professionalization of cadres in the Public Service etc.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar signed on behalf of Uganda while Mohammad Abdullah AI Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs signed on behalf of the UAE.

The MoU marks another milestone in enhancing the relations between Uganda and the UAE. The two countries enjoy cordial and mutually beneficial relations, characterized by several MoU’s signed in various fields and exchange of high-level visits. The signing of this additional MoU is testament to the commitment by the leaders of the two countries to continue fostering cooperation in not only existing sectors but also new fields.

Gen. Odongo expressed appreciation to the government and people of UAE for the traditional friendship and for supporting Uganda’s transformation journey through investments in the different sectors of the country’s economy. He underscored Government’s commitment to continue facilitating and protecting investments. In addition, he observed that in recent years, there has been a marked increase in the Ugandan diaspora in UAE estimated at over 150,000 and thanked the government of UAE for hosting and offering them opportunities.

The minister is representing President Yoweri Museveni at the 2024 edition of the World Governments Summit taking place from February 12-14 under the theme of ‘Shaping Future Governments’ where the discussions involve governments, international organizations, thought leaders, and private sector leaders from around the globe to exchange ideas and identify innovative solutions for future challenges.