The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Leonard Zulu, paid a courtesy visit to Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar at the ministry headquarters. During the meeting, Zulu conveyed deep appreciation on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN system in Uganda for the country’s steadfast support in humanitarian efforts, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Zulu commended Uganda’s critical role in facilitating the safe transit of UN personnel and their families from conflict-hit areas in the DRC, including Goma, Bukavu, North Kivu, and South Kivu. He acknowledged the swift action of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which ensured all necessary clearances and authorizations were processed efficiently, allowing over 4,000 UN staff and dependents to arrive safely in Uganda.
"Seeing our colleagues arrive in one piece, processed and safe, was a moment of immense relief," Zulu stated, highlighting Uganda’s well-coordinated security measures, including escort services and border facilitation. He further extended gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni and all stakeholders involved in the process
Minister Odongo reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to humanitarianism, emphasizing the country’s "Ubuntu" philosophy, which underpins its open-door refugee policy. “As part of humanity, we must always do our utmost to ensure the safety and well-being of our fellow human beings,” he stated, calling for innovative solutions to address the escalating crisis in Eastern DRC.
Zulu acknowledged Uganda’s growing regional and global influence, noting that the country hosts the largest refugee population in the world, with numbers expected to reach 2.2 million due to the ongoing instability in the DRC. He also raised concerns over the worsening food crisis affecting refugees, as the World Food Programme (WFP) has scaled down its support.
"Uganda plays a crucial role in regional and global peace and security," Zulu remarked, applauding the country’s leadership in the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and as chair of the G77+China. He also praised Uganda’s diplomatic efforts in the upcoming Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, particularly the proposed presidential dialogue on the final phase of Agenda 2030.
Zulu reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP IV), which aims to mobilize $158 billion for the country’s economic growth through government, private sector, and development partners. He noted Uganda’s leadership will be key in global discussions on development financing, including the International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain this July.
In his closing remarks, Zulu commended Uganda’s effective handling of the Ebola outbreak, recognizing the Ministry of Health’s swift response with UN support. He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to continued collaboration with Uganda in addressing humanitarian challenges and ensuring sustainable development.
