By Abbey Ramadhan
South Korea has promised to continue supporting Uganda in agriculture and education innovations to contribute towards the transformation of the country.
“Education and agricultural innovations are key in changing the lives of the people and as Korea, we shall support Institutions and individuals with innovations,” South Korea ambassador to Uganda Sung Soo Park said.
Park said this after inspecting some stalls of institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and Individuals during the annual meeting with Uganda-Korea Friendship Association at the International University of East Africa on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.
The function attracted different institutions, stakeholders and individuals.
The event was also aimed at welcoming Park, who started his tour of duty in Uganda in December last year.
He lauded the Uganda-Korea Friendship Association for increasing awareness about Korea culture, saying they have played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between Uganda and South Korea, especially in terms of trade and investment.
“We are now working on a visa-free agreement for diplomatic and official passports, as well as economic treaties such as investment protection agreements and the double tax avoidance agreement,” Park said.
He added that next year marks the 60 years anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Korea and Uganda.
“With that regard, I have been strongly emphasizing the need for Uganda to set up an embassy in Seoul at the earliest time possible,” he said.
While receiving three protocol cars and 40 laptops from the Embassy of South Korea in Uganda, Internal affairs minister Jeje Odongo revealed that Gen. Ivan Koreta was designated as Uganda’s ambassador to South Korea and has proved the strong relationship between the two countries
Uganda-Korea Friendship Association chairperson Jackson Ndaula lauded Korea for supporting Uganda in health, agriculture and especially the promotion of exchange programmes in education, business, culture, and theatre.
“The establishment of an embassy in Seoul will help Uganda to explore more investments and boost trade between the two countries,” he said, adding that South Korea established its embassy in 1963 but Uganda has taken long.
Uganda Korea Friendship Association was founded on the principles of arts and cultural exchanges. Culture and creative industry as a sector are powerful tools to drive development within the community.
“With the support of innovation, especially in agriculture and education, Uganda will realise its Vision 2040 of transforming the Country,” he said.
In attendance was IUEA vice-chancellor Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa, Buganda Kingdom minister in charge of Kabaka’s visits Hajjat Mariam Nkalubo Mayanja and Ambassador Moses Kiwe Sebunya, among others.
