Museveni Lauds Outgoing Tanzanian Envoy, Pledges Accelerated Regional Infrastructure

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today bid farewell to the outgoing Tanzanian High Commissioner to Uganda, Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, at State House, Entebbe. The meeting served as an occasion to reflect on the robust and long-standing relationship between Uganda and Tanzania, reinforcing a mutual commitment to deeper regional integration.

President Museveni expressed appreciation for Maj. Gen. Kisesa’s contributions during his two-and-a-half-year tenure, highlighting the envoy’s efforts in fostering cordial bilateral relations. He underscored the decades-old brotherly bond between the two East African nations, built on shared history, common goals, and cooperation within the East African Community.

Focusing on economic cooperation, the President emphasized the vital role of improved infrastructure in bolstering regional trade and connectivity. In line with this, President Museveni announced a commitment to fast-track the development of the Masaka–Mutukula Road, a critical transport artery connecting Uganda and Tanzania, which is expected to stimulate cross-border commerce and accelerate regional integration.

Maj. Gen. Kisesa, in his remarks, congratulated President Museveni on his recent re-election, interpreting it as a testament to the trust placed in his leadership by Ugandans. He also lauded Uganda’s swift socio-economic transformation, noting significant progress across various sectors.

“The development is very fast, and Uganda will be different with the current speed of development,” remarked Maj. Gen. Kisesa, citing visible improvements in road infrastructure as a prime indicator of this progress. He also acknowledged Uganda’s recent petroleum discoveries as a strategic asset with the potential to drive economic growth not only within Uganda but across the entire East African region through enhanced investment and cooperation.

Uganda and Tanzania maintain close diplomatic, economic, and security ties, collaborating on major regional projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and other initiatives aimed at boosting trade, transport, and regional integration.

Source: State House (Uganda)