Amb. Col Fred Mwesigye calls for Africa’s unity as he presents credentials to Malawi President Chakwera

H.E. Col (Rtd.) Fred Mwesigye, the High Commissioner Designate of the Republic of Uganda, presented his credentials to H.E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the President of the Republic of Malawi at the Kamuza Palace in Lilongwe officially accrediting him as Uganda’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Malawi.

Upon presenting his credentials Col (Rtd.) Fred expressed the honour and privilege to have been appointed as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda to the Republic of Malawi.

The Ambassador further conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda to H.E. Dr. Lazarus.

In his brief remarks, Col (Rtd.) Mwesigye hailed the excellent cordial historical bilateral relations that exist between Uganda and Malawi bolstered by the strong political and social economic thank that continue to grow from strength to strength, to which he looks forward to consolidate further.

He stated that “this relationship is nurtured by our two leaders, who work closely on matters of mutual interest at both bilateral and multilateral levels. Malawi is a valued trading partner for Uganda and the Uganda High Commission, under my leadership is committed to further strengthen this trade for mutual benefit of our peoples”.

Additionally, he requested that Africa truly unite with a mission of achieving one government, one currency, and one army so as to achieve the dream of the founding fathers of the continent and standing as the only insurance for the future generations.

He also highlighted the need to establish a Joint Permanent Commission between Uganda and Malawi that will provide a framework for cooperation in key sector areas of Agriculture, Education, Business, trade and Investment.

As he concluded, he gave assurances to President Chakwera and said; “Mr. President, during my tenure as High Commissioner of Uganda to Malawi, the relationship between the two countries will be further strengthened and consolidated in the interest of our two sisterly countries.” He also extended invitation from his brother President Yoweri Museveni to attend the NAM and G77 summits scheduled to be held in January 2024.

On receiving the credentials, H. E President Chakwera, welcomed and congratulated H.E. Col (Rtd.) Fred MWESIGYE upon his appointment as Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malawi.

President Chakwera underscored the historic excellent historic bilateral relations that exist between Malawi and Uganda underpinned on Pan Africanism and shared values. He further hailed the visionary leadership and commitment of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to ensure these relations progress from strength to strength.

The two further deliberated on matters of bilateral interest for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Diplomatic relations between Uganda and Malawi were established in 1964. Bilateral relations between both countries is vibrant with bilateral trade In 2020, Uganda exported $2.31M to Malawi.

During the last 25 years the exports of Uganda to Malawi have increased at an annualized rate of 8.52%, from $300k in 1995 to $2.31M in 2020.

Defence Cooperation between Uganda and Malawi is progressive with regular exchange visits to bolster cooperation in the Security sector. Early this month UPDF received a delegation officials from the Malawi Defence Force for a visit aimed and strengthening defence / security relations.

Multilaterally Uganda and Malawi are members of the African Union, Commonwealth of Nations, Non-Aligned Movement and Group of 77.