Kampala — The Government has commended the outgoing Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Håkansson, and Tanzania’s High Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, for their contribution to strengthening bilateral relations during their respective diplomatic postings in the country.
The tribute was made by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, during separate farewell engagements with the two diplomats as they concluded their tours of duty in Uganda.
Mr Kasolo praised Ambassador Håkansson for promoting cooperation between Uganda and Sweden in areas including development, governance and trade.
“I commend Ambassador Håkansson for her dedicated service and steadfast commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Uganda and Sweden. Her efforts have advanced our shared interests and deepened the cordial relations between our two nations,” he said.
He thanked the Swedish envoy for her service and wished her success in her future assignments.
The acting minister also commended Maj. Gen. Simuli for his role in advancing relations between Uganda and Tanzania.
“I commend Ambassador Simuli for his dedicated service and unwavering commitment to strengthening the historic bonds of friendship, cooperation and brotherhood between Uganda and Tanzania. His efforts have further advanced our shared aspirations and reinforced the excellent bilateral relations between our two sister nations,” Mr Kasolo said.
He expressed confidence that the two countries would continue to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The farewell engagements coincided with separate courtesy calls by the two diplomats on President Museveni at State House.
In a statement, the President said he held discussions with the outgoing envoys on matters of mutual interest and the future of bilateral cooperation.
“I met the outgoing High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania, Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, and the outgoing Ambassador of Sweden, Maria Håkansson, who paid me farewell courtesy calls. We discussed matters of mutual interest and our continued cooperation. I thank them for their service and wish them good luck in their future endeavours,” President Museveni said.
Sweden is one of Uganda’s long-standing development partners, supporting programmes in governance, education, health, climate resilience, private sector development and refugee response. The two countries also cooperate in trade, investment, research and innovation.
Uganda and Tanzania maintain close diplomatic and economic ties through the East African Community, with cooperation spanning regional security, trade, transport infrastructure and energy. Tanzania also serves as one of Uganda’s principal transit routes through the Port of Dar es Salaam.
The departure of Ambassador Håkansson and High Commissioner Simuli marks the end of their diplomatic assignments in Kampala. Successors are expected to be appointed to continue advancing relations between Uganda and the two countries.