KAMPALA — The United States of America has congratulated the people of Uganda on the occasion of the 58th Independence anniversary.
In the message sent to PML Daily, the U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Christopher Krafft on Uganda’s Independence Day said:
“On behalf of the United States Embassy in Kampala, I wish all Ugandans a happy, healthy, and peaceful Independence Day. We are proud of all that the United States has accomplished in partnership with Uganda to foster healthy, prosperous, and civically engaged communities”.
He pleged that the US will continue the joint efforts to improve education outcomes for Ugandan youth, to promote economic growth and food security, and to strengthen Uganda’s democratic institutions.
He added that the United States is also working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health to support its COVID response.
Mr. Krafft also said after decades of co-operation, the bond between the two governments is stronger than ever before despite the challenging time.
“The power of partnership is never more evident than during challenging times such as these. The United States ’decades-long investment in Uganda’s health system has helped build the capacities that Uganda’s research facilities, laboratories, health centers, and medical professionals are utilizing to combat COVID-19,” he wrote, adding that “the United States will continue to stand with Uganda as we confront the challenges of COVID, and we will continue to invest in the friendship and partnership between our two countries”.
“Congratulations on the 58th anniversary of Uganda’s independence”.
Relations between Uganda and US date back to as far back as October 9, 1962, when US first set up an Embassy in Kampala.
John F. Kennedy, who was US president then, had earlier sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Milton Obote.
In 1973, the American Embassy in Kampala was closed, and US withdrew diplomatic personnel following a souring of ties between President Idi Amin and US.
The embassy only opened in 1979 when Amin was overthrown.
Fast forward to 2020, ties between the two countries are stronger, with Uganda currently serving as US key strategic partner on peace in the Great Lakes region.
