Uganda to set up diplomatic mission in South Korea

He made this announcement during a bilateral meeting with Chung Byung-won, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, on the sidelines of the Ministerial meeting at the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea in Seoul on June 2.

The Summit, following the 7th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference in September 2023, runs from June 4 to June 5 under the theme “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity.”

Uganda’s delegation, led by the Vice President, Jessica Alupo, includes the Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, the Minister of ICT, Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Monica Jane Musenero Masanza, the Minister of State for Works, Musa Francis Ecweru, and Davinia Esther Anyakun, Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, as well as the Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Fred Opolot.

Speaking from Seoul, Okello revealed that the discussions will focus on collaborative solutions for sustainable development, addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, supply chain stability, and health security.

“These issues are critical for Africa’s development and we all look forward to seeing their effective implementation,” he stated.

Highlighting the existing ten Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Uganda and Korea, Okello mentioned that an additional two MoUs would be signed during the Summit, including a Trade and Investment Promotion Framework Agreement and another on Loan Financing.

This framework aims to provide Korean investors with predictability and stability in cooperation, serving as a channel to resolve difficulties faced by companies from both nations investing and advancing into each other’s markets.

“We anticipate the signing of an MOU between our two Ministers of Finance, under which South Korea will increase its concessional loan commitment to Uganda from USD 34 million to USD 500 million for the period 2024-2028,” said Okello.

He added that Uganda would submit a series of bankable projects for consideration by Korea in the areas of infrastructure and energy.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chung thanked Uganda’s delegation for their positive response to the Summit invitation, stating that Korea views Uganda as a valued and key strategic partner.

“The Summit will lay a strong foundation for enhanced cooperation and partnership. Korea is focusing on capacity-building programmes aimed at extending technology transfers, building required skills, and manufacturing capacities for Uganda’s industrial growth and development, as well as sharing expertise and knowledge,” said Chung.

On the sidelines of the Summit, various conference sessions will cover topics such as business, agriculture, ICT, forestry and desertification, vaccine and health security, tourism, and infrastructure, aimed at creating partnerships between Korea and Africa.

On June 5, a Business Summit will be held at Lotte Hotel Seoul, focusing on Industrialization Trade Promotion and Infrastructure Enhancement and Job Creation.

The Ugandan delegation will participate in several side events, including the Korea-Africa Tourism Forum, the Korea-Africa Future Partnership Conference (KOICA), the Korean-Africa Health Partnership, the Korea-Africa Infrastructure Forum, the Enhancing Vaccine Access and Health Security in Africa Forum, the 10th Global ICT Leadership Forum, and the Korea Africa Youth Startup Forum.

In attendance at the bilateral foreign ministers’ meeting were Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, also accredited to the Republic of Korea, Ambassador Kaahwa Tophace, and Ambassador Elly Kamahungye, Acting Director of Regional and International Economic Affairs.