By Charles Birungi
The Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on Tuesday afternoon met the new Italian Ambassador to Uganda, Massimiliano Mazzanti in Entebbe where they discussed a range of issues including trade, tourism and defense cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Mazzanti, who replaced his predecessor Ambassador Domenico Fornara in October last year, was paying a courtesy call to Gen Kainerugaba at the Special Forces Command headquarters.
“I’ am very delighted to meet you, General. After my tour of duty in London, I had several options to go to, but I chose to come to Uganda and I think my decision has been well validated because the country is beautiful with very wonderful people,” said Ambassador Mazzanti.
Prior to his posting to Uganda, Mr. Mazzanti served as the Consular General at the Italian Embassies in London in the UK and Washington in the U.S. He previously served in the office of the Italian Prime Minister and also as an officer in the Italian Navy from 1992 to 1996.
General Kainerugaba welcomed the new Italian Ambassador to Uganda, pointing out that Uganda is gifted by nature and assured him that his stay in the country would be an enjoyable and memorable one. “I welcome you to Uganda, Ambassador Mazzanti. The bond between our two countries is a long and historical one, and I have no doubt that it will continue to get even better,” said General Kainerugaba.
Uganda and Italy have enjoyed close historical ties especially in the fields of trade, tourism, health, education and defense cooperation. Some of the leading hospitals and education institutions in the country were founded by Italian missionaries, and trade and business between the two countries has been growing steadily over recent decades.
