VP Ssekandi hails Uganda relations with Cuba

By George Mangula

The Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has hailed relations between Uganda and the Republic Cuba saying both countries have enjoyed stronger relations since the established of bilateral relationship over 45 years ago despite the difficult times in each country’s history.

Ssekandi who was meeting the Cuban Ambassador Antonio Luis Pubillones who called on him at his office in Kampala at the weekend, said that and Uganda and Cuba have a lot in common especially in terms of foreign policies saying both countries stress good relations with neighbouring states.

He said that since the people’s revolution of 1959, that brought President Fidel Castro to the leadership of Cuba, Uganda and Cuba have supported each other at the international fora through Non-Aligned Movement G77 and at the U.N on strategic, socio-economic interests.

Ssekandi explained that although Uganda had signed an MOU with the Government of Cuba in 2018 to bring in the country doctors from Cuba, but added that due to misunderstandings and uncoordinated positions, the program has been put on hold pending further consultations and harmonisation of the position by all stakeholders.

He said that Cuban doctors were instrumental in setting up Mbarara University of Science and Technology in 1990 and by 2017, the University had trained over 1000 medical doctors but added that Uganda still needs support in skilling young people especially in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agricultural sectors which he said Cuba has built capacity both in personnel and technology.

He also invited Cuban professionals to collaborate with Ugandans in the areas of local production of medicines, technology transfer and improving access to health and assured the Ambassador that Kampala was looking into plans of re-establishing diplomatic relations with Havana as soon as the necessary consultation are finalised.

Ambassador Luis who delivered a message of invitation from Havana also assured Ssekandi that Cuba despite its difficult history and the current situation, will continue collaborating with Uganda in supporting the country’s effort towards its social transformation.He said that the leadership of the northern Caribbean sea state of Cuba look at Uganda as a friend indeed for its support towards pursuit of a peaceful solution and co-existence of the people of Cuba and their neighbours through diplomatic means saying Havana is still optimistic that the temporary blockade will be solved.