Paintings of Uganda’s best tourism attraction spots – national parks, River Nile; and gorillas hug the walls of the beautiful Ugandan Embassy in Kigali.
The facility that features a gym, offices and residence of a few staff overlooks an expansive compound with well mowed lawns.
Visitors can easily access Business Investments Guides at the embassy’s reception, underscoring Ambassador Richard Kabonero’s commitment to Uganda’s pursuit of commercial diplomacy.
This weekend, Uganda and friends of Uganda get together to reflect on the 54 year of independence.
“It has been a remarkable journey of progress,” says Kabonero.
“Together, we have overcome challenges and set a course of accelerated development to develop a secure and prosperous country at peace with itself and our neighbors. We look to the future with a sense of optimism,” he adds.
The Ambassador, who has played a key role in promoting Uganda’s relations with Rwanda, says the two countries’ current trade volume is approximately 200 million US dollars.
He says in line with “our mission charter of commercial diplomacy and in particular the promotion of trade, tourism and investment our mission will be celebrating the event with our partners, the companies doing business in the two countries as well as friends of Uganda.”
It’s one of the moments when the two friendly countries meet to reflect on life, business and partnerships.
Such functions are usually graced by diplomats, business executives, government officials and Ugandans living in Rwanda.
“Our bilateral relations are fraternal and deep with a sense of shared history through our respective struggles to emancipate our people,” says Kabonero, adding, “We will therefore be celebrating together the tremendous progress out two sister countries have made.”
Kabonero tells ChimpReports in an exclusive interview on Thursday that the Embassy has “a whole weekend of activities beginning with a Ugandan comedy and entertainment night at our official residence on Friday October 7, followed by a gala dinner and reception.”
Business
The Uganda High Commission and Rwanda Air have been partners over the years promoting travel and lowering cost of travel between the two countries.
During the 54th Independence weekend, Rwanda is offering the Embassy’s guests a special promotional round trip fare of $ 210, a saving of over $150 dollars, according to the Ambassador.
The new building housing the Uganda High Commission in Rwanda
The recently unveiled Ubumwe airbus departs from Entebbe on October 7 before returning two days later.
“The Kigali mission charter involves the promotion of trade and tourism, cross border investments, looking after the welfare of our Diaspora as well as promotion of integration and elimination of non tariff barriers among others,” said Kabonero.
The Ugandan Mission is approaching the 1-year anniversary of the opening of its new chancery in Kigali, which Kabonero said is “a remarkable achievement by our team.”
On boosting cross border trade, Kabonero said the Mission has worked tirelessly to eliminate delays of goods as well as other barriers to trade including trade in services.
“In a few months we look forward to the completion of the Ntungamo -Mirama hills road that will lead to increased and improved trans-boundary road network. We are also looking forward to the launch of the Mirama-Hills Kagitumba One Stop Border Post (OSBP),” he concluded.