By: Ismael Kasooha
KAMPALA
Uganda’s Prime Minister Nabbanja Robinah has held talks with her counterpart from Lesotho H.E Sam Ntsokoane Matekane and discussed ways on bolstering business between the two sister countries.
“Uganda and the Kingdom of Lesotho share a lot in common and that is why we need to come together to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge partnerships that will enhance our capabilities,” said Nabbanja.
The Prime minister of Uganda Robinah Nabbanja shaking hands with her counterpart from Lesotho Sam Matekane at OPM in Kampala
Nabbanja assured her guest that Uganda will fully support Lesotho candidature for the position of Secretary General of the Commonwealth on the basis that it is done on a rotational principle of the African Union since this is Africa’s turn to be decided in October this year.
The meeting took place at the Office of the Prime Minister here in Kampala and was attended by several Ministers and technical staff.
The Premier said that Uganda and Lesotho can forge several fronts of cooperations.
“Uganda is an Agricultural country and more than 60 percent of Ugandans are dependent on the sector with capacity to meet the demands from other African Countries and beyond. For instance, Uganda produces 4.5 billion liters of milk and this capacity is on the rise, despite internal consumption capacity of about 800 million liters per annum. We have also developed capacity of our scientists who can be of great value to train Agriculture Scientists in Lesotho,” noted Nabbanja.
Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja introducing some Ministers to her counterpart from Lesotho
Nabbanja added that the Government of Uganda has made significant strides in improving service delivery through initiatives such as the National Development Plan and Vision 2040.
She added that these frameworks have guided Uganda in the implementation of programs aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of our public services.
“However, we recognize that there is always room for improvement and that we can learn much from our brothers and sisters in Lesotho. I am that told Lesotho has implemented a strong public sector reform, particularly in areas such as e-governance, decentralization, and capacity building. Your innovative approaches to service delivery can as well be of great value to Uganda, and we are eager to learn from your experiences. By sharing knowledge and collaborating on projects, we can create a synergy that will benefit both our nations,” she said.
Robinah Nabbanja in Lesotho cultural dress given to her by her counterpart from Lesotho
The Premier said as we move forward in this partnership, she is confident that the joint efforts will lead to tangible improvements in the lives of the people in the two sister countries.
“Whether it is through enhancing access to healthcare, education, or social services, our goal is to ensure that every citizen receives the support they need to thrive,” she said.
On his part Sam Ntsokoane Matekane, the Prime Minister of Lesotho thanked Uganda for the hospitality extended to him and the entire delegation while in Uganda and promised to further engage the business community in Lesotho to come and operate in Uganda.
“I have met the business community in Uganda who are interested in working with our people back home to transact business. Our doors are open and we shall support them whenever there is need,” said Matekane.
The meeting was attended by Ministers, technical staff led by the Permanent Secretary OPM Dunstan Balaba among others.
Nabbanja was later given the Lesotho attire as a symbol of love and cooperation.
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