ENTEBBE — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the outgoing Tanzanian High Commissioner to Uganda, Maj Gen Paul Kisesa Simuli, for his contribution to strengthening the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Uganda and Tanzania during his diplomatic tour of duty.
The President made the remarks on Monday during a farewell courtesy call by the envoy at State House, Entebbe, where the two leaders reflected on the enduring relationship between the neighbouring East African countries and reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional integration and economic cooperation.
President Museveni congratulated Maj Gen Kisesa upon the successful completion of his two-and-a-half-year tenure in Uganda, describing his service as instrumental in advancing the cordial bilateral relations that have existed between the two nations for decades.
“Our relationship with Tanzania is founded on history, shared aspirations and brotherhood. We shall continue working together to deepen this cooperation for the benefit of our people and the East African region,” President Museveni said.
The President underscored the importance of infrastructure in driving regional economic growth, pledging to accelerate construction of the Masaka–Mutukula Road, a strategic transport corridor linking Uganda to Tanzania.
He said the road project would significantly enhance cross-border trade, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and strengthen regional integration within the East African Community.
“The Masaka–Mutukula Road is an important link between our two countries, and we are committed to fast-tracking its construction because it will boost trade and connectivity,” the President noted.
Maj Gen Kisesa congratulated President Museveni on securing another mandate to lead Uganda, saying the outcome reflected the confidence Ugandans have in his leadership.
He also praised Uganda’s rapid socio-economic transformation, describing the pace of development as remarkable.
“For someone who has taken a long time to visit Uganda, one can be amazed. The development is very fast, and Uganda will be different with the current speed of development,” Maj Gen Kisesa said.
The outgoing envoy recalled first visiting Uganda in 2022 during a study tour at the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) in Kimaka before returning in 2024 as Tanzania’s High Commissioner.
He said the transformation he witnessed over that period was striking.
“I found a totally different country. Congratulations, Your Excellency, upon this development,” he told President Museveni, pointing to the extensive expansion and improvement of Uganda’s road infrastructure as one of the most visible indicators of progress.
Maj Gen Kisesa also commended Uganda’s progress in the petroleum sector, describing the country’s oil discoveries as a strategic resource with the potential to benefit the wider East African region.
He said the development of Uganda’s oil and gas industry would stimulate investment, strengthen regional energy security and foster greater economic cooperation among neighbouring countries.
Uganda and Tanzania maintain strong diplomatic, economic and security relations and continue to collaborate on several flagship regional infrastructure projects, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), as well as initiatives aimed at improving trade, transport connectivity and regional integration.