UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR APPLAUDS UGANDA’S ONGOING COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
UN Resident Coordinator, H.E. Mr. Leonard Zulu paid a courtesy call to the Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubhaker, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry headquarters on Friday, 14 February, 2025. He expressed his deep appreciation for Uganda’s continued support and facilitation in humanitarian efforts, especially in light of recent developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on be behalf of the United Nations Secretary-General and the UN system in Uganda
In his remarks, Mr. Zulu thanked the Ugandan government for its critical role in facilitating the safe transit of UN personnel and their families from the DRC, particularly from the regions of Goma, Bukavu, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Despite challenging circumstances, the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensured that all clearances and authorizations were granted with exceptional speed, making it possible for UN staff to arrive safely in Uganda. "Seeing our colleagues arrive in one piece, processed and safe, was a moment of immense relief" H.E. Zulu remarked, noting that more than 4,000 transits were processed without any issues. The UN team also appreciated the security measures in place, including escort services and border coordination, ensuring that staff, including their families and dependents, were safe during their journey.
"Please convey our gratitude to the President for his leadership and to all those involved in making this possible" H.E. Zulu added. Hon. Odongo, welcomed H.E. Zulu emphasizing Uganda’s humanitarian stance and its "Ubuntu" philosophy, which drives the nation's open-door refugee policy. “As part of humanity, we must always do our utmost to ensure the safety and health of our fellow human beings,” he said, expressing hope that the international community will work together to prevent further humanitarian crises, particularly in Eastern DRC. He further encouraged that extra revolutionary thinking is required to address the issue in Eastern DRC.
During the discussion, H.E. Zulu highlighted Uganda’s significant regional and global role, particularly as the host of the largest refugee caseload in the world. He mentioned that the refugee number could soon reach 2.2 million due to the ongoing crisis in the DRC, with over 1,000 new arrivals daily. He also underscored the ongoing challenges, such as the food crisis, with the World Food Programme scaling down its support, which has resulted in severe food insecurity for many refugees. "Uganda plays an essential role in regional and global peace and security" H.E. Zulu emphasized, noting the country’s leadership within the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and as chair of the G77+China. Uganda’s Diplomatic efforts were also praised in relation to the upcoming Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, particularly for the innovative proposal for a presidential dialogue on the final stretch of Agenda 2030. Further, H.E. Zulu expressed the UN system’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP IV), which seeks to mobilize $158 billion for the country’s development. This includes contributions from government, private sector, and development partners. H.E. Zulu also noted that Uganda’s strong leadership would be pivotal in upcoming global discussions on financing for development, including the International Conference on Financing for Development scheduled in Spain this July.
In closing, H.E. Zulu conveyed the gratitude of 29 UN agencies working in Uganda for the ministry’s continued support in facilitating their work. He also acknowledged the rapid and effective response to the Ebola outbreak, where the Ministry of Health has been instrumental in guiding the national response, with the UN standing in solidarity with Uganda during this time. The UN Resident Coordinator reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to continue collaborating with Uganda to address humanitarian challenges and ensure sustainable development.
