Amb. Mourad: Algeria and Uganda United by History, Pan-African Ideals, and Shared Progress

The Algerian Embassy in Uganda hosted a grand reception at the Ambassador’s residence to mark the 71st anniversary of the outbreak of the historic 1st November Revolution of 1954, the uprising that led to Algeria’s independence after 132 years of colonial rule.

The colourful event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, Members of Parliament, and representatives of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Uganda Police.

Her Excellency Vice President Jessica Alupo was the Chief Guest, representing the Government of Uganda at the event that was also graced by members of the diplomatic corps.

In his keynote address, H.E. Amokrane Mourad, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Uganda, paid tribute to the martyrs of Algeria’s liberation struggle, describing the revolution as “a decisive moment that changed the course of history for the Algerian nation and inspired freedom movements across Africa and Asia.”

“On that fateful night in 1954, a group of brave Algerian patriots ignited a revolution that would transform not only Algeria but the destiny of Africa as a whole,” Ambassador Mourad said, noting that the revolution’s anti-colonial spirit remains the foundation of Algeria’s foreign policy.

The Ambassador hailed the enduring Pan-African solidarity that supported Algeria’s independence struggle and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to defending the right to self-determination, particularly for the peoples of Western Sahara and Palestine.

“We must eradicate colonialism and neo-colonialism. Africans should ensure that African nations do not dominate one another. The unification of Africa and the decolonization of Western Sahara are crucial for peace and security in our region,” he emphasized.

Strong Algeria–Uganda Relations

Ambassador Mourad lauded the excellent bilateral relations between Algeria and Uganda, anchored on shared values of freedom, non-alignment, and Pan-Africanism. He commended the personal friendship between Presidents Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, which continues to strengthen cooperation across political, economic, and educational fields.

He highlighted the growing economic ties following President Museveni’s 2023 state visit to Algeria, which led to new agreements in trade and investment, including the export of Ugandan powdered milk and coffee to Algeria.

Algeria also announced ongoing collaboration in healthcare, with plans to renovate Katakwi General Hospital, and continued support for Ugandan students studying in Algerian universities — a partnership that dates back to the 1980s.

“Investment in the training of men and women is a source of light, progress, and development,” Ambassador Mourad noted, adding that many Ugandan alumni of Algerian institutions now serve with distinction in national institutions.

Appreciation for Uganda’s Leadership

Commending Uganda’s stability and regional role, Ambassador Mourad praised President Museveni’s leadership and Uganda’s growing international profile under the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

He wished Uganda success in its 2026 general elections, expressing confidence in the country’s democratic maturity and commitment to peace.

“We, both Algerians and Ugandans, have every reason to hope for a bright future for our bilateral relationship. No effort should be spared by both parties for the prosperity of our peoples,” he concluded.

The evening featured cultural exchanges and a celebration of Algeria’s revolutionary spirit under the theme of unity, independence, and African solidarity.