The Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjarto, has committed that Hungary will continue to support Uganda in education, health, agriculture, and security.
Szijjarto made these remarks on Friday, December 8, 2023, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Uganda and Hungary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala.
The Hungarian Minister said that Hungary will continue supporting Uganda in different areas, confirming that they have already earmarked 400,000 euros for supporting modernized agriculture in the Karamoja region.
“I am happy; we already have 300 scholarships submitted, and we shall continue to support the education sector. This was witnessed today when we signed an important MOU with the Minister for Education for more partnerships.” Szijjarto said.
Szijjarto added that, on the issue of refugees, Uganda is the leading country in Africa when it comes to hosting refugees and number three in the world.
“Hungary will continue supporting Uganda to take care of refugees; we have already invested USD 17 million for refugee intervention in Uganda, where we have constructed schools in the refugee camp,” he added.
Szijjarto also appreciated the President of Uganda Yoweri K. Museveni for advocating for peace in the region and emphasized the need to ensure regional stability.
“You all know we are neighbors with Ukraine, and we as Hungarians have paid the ultimate price for the war in Ukraine. We appreciate peace efforts by President Museveni in the East African region,” Szijjarto added.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, General Jeje Odongo, in his remarks, appreciated the Hungary government for their support in health care, cyber security, education, smart tourism, and the support rendered to the refugee communities.
Odongo noted that as a country, they continue to explore new areas where Uganda can work together with Hungary, and with the signing of the MOU, Uganda will do better.
“In areas of trade, we need to improve because there is a lot of potential and we need to put in more effort. There is also potential in agriculture, mineral development, information and communication technology (ICT),” Odongo said.
“We need to work towards a better trade arrangement with Hungary to improve our exports, and I therefore encourage the private sector to take advantage of these partnerships,” Odongo added.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister is in Uganda for a one-day visit, and while in Uganda, he will sign MOUs with different ministers on behalf of the government of Hungary to strengthen bilateral relations with Uganda.
