By George Murumba

30^th July 2012:

President Yoweri Museveni has called for a Euro-Africa summit to develop common ideas of cooperation, adding that there are a lot of unexploited opportunities between Europe and Africa that can reinforce the relationship between the two continents.

The president made the call last week at the State Lodge in Masaka where he was witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore and Uganda’s Minister of Finance Maria Kiwanuka.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the Irish government committed over 10million Euros to the rehabilitation and development efforts in Northern Uganda.

The president said it is important to develop some common ideas.  For example, whereas Europe has technological advantages, Africa has the market and natural resources.  “…If we can import things from Europe, it would be mutual reinforcement.  The summit would point out areas were cooperation should be directed,” Musevenii said.

He also hailed the Irish government for its development support to Uganda in health, education and value addition – an area which he said was crucial because it would help Uganda multiply its GDP up to ten times.

The President assured the Irish delegation that Uganda is committed to fighting corruption, adding that he would appoint an investment officer in the President’s office to monitor projects and ensure that there are no delays in implementation.

“…There are a lot of thieves who delay projects because they seek bribes from investors. It is crucial that we get feedback on the corrupt from the investors because they are the ones who are targeted,” Museveni said as he reacted to concerns about his government’s failure to tackle to corruption.

For his part, the Irish Foreign Minister said there is potential for the transfer of technology and skills, adding that his country was keen to train Ugandans in skills that can be used in emerging industries. He said his country had developed an African strategy and was committed to working in partnership with Africa.

“…There is enormous potential between Europe and Africa especially in the areas of agro production and economic development,” Mr Gilmore said.  The two leaders also addressed various issues including good governance, homosexuality, trade and investments.

Uganda is the largest programme country for Irish Development Cooperation, and the biggest recipient of Irish Aid in the whole of Africa. Irish Aid has been working in Uganda since 1994, with support increasing from an initial program budget of less than €1million to over €33million in 2010.

Ireland’s current country strategy for Uganda commits over 166 million Euro in official development assistance in various critical sectors such as education, health governance, HIV and AIDS, the Justice Law and Order Sector and rehabilitation of Northern Uganda among others.

Uganda’s Minister of Finance Maria Kiwanuka, Minister of Trade Amelia Kyambadde, and Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom & Ireland Joan Rwabyomere attended the meeting.  END.  Login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories mid-week for our updates

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