By: Alinaitwe Jotham
KAMPALA
In a major step towards strengthening bilateral relations, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, Alex Kakooza, chaired a critical meeting with several high-profile dignitaries to discuss the upcoming visit of an Italian delegation to Uganda, scheduled for February 26-28, 2025, in attendance was H.E. Mauro Massoni, the Italian Ambassador to Uganda, and H.E. Elizabeth Paula Napeyok, Uganda’s Ambassador to Italy, representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as well as officials from various Ugandan ministries and departments.
Mr. Alex Kakooza, PS Office of the Prime Minister presiding over a meeting with the Italian Delegation
The meeting served as a platform to discuss key areas of cooperation between Uganda and Italy, focusing on sustainable development and collaborative projects aimed at addressing Uganda’s economic and environmental challenges. Several initiatives were outlined, which are expected to significantly contribute to Uganda’s growth in the coming years.
One of the primary highlights of the discussions was the Green Cities Initiative, a project focused on developing sustainable urban communities in Uganda. The initiative seeks to address the rapid urbanization taking place across Ugandan cities while ensuring that these cities grow in an environmentally sustainable manner. Both governments emphasized the need to build green cities that are not only economically viable but also resilient to climate change.
Another important topic of conversation was the Italian climate Fund for Uganda, a proposed funding initiative aimed at supporting various sectors of Uganda’s economy. Among the key areas of focus for the Italian funding were sustainable waste management, coffee production, and healthcare. The fund is expected to play a significant role in promoting development in these sectors, which are vital to Uganda’s social and economic advancement.
PS in the (center ) posses for a photo with H.E. Mauro Massoni, the Italian Ambassador (right) and H.E. Elizabeth Paula Napeyok, Uganda’s Ambassador to Italy. (left)
One of the most pressing issues discussed was sustainable waste management. Both countries agreed that addressing waste management, particularly in urban areas like Kampala, would be a critical area for collaboration. Italian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mauro Massoni, highlighted the importance of managing waste effectively and pledged Italy’s support to Uganda in implementing sustainable waste management solutions.
Coffee production also emerged as a key topic during the meeting, with both countries exploring ways to enhance Uganda’s coffee sector. The Italian ambassador expressed his commitment to supporting Uganda in improving coffee production and export capabilities, including providing training and capacity-building programs for farmers to enhance their productivity. Uganda’s coffee industry is a vital source of income for many rural communities, and the partnership with Italy is expected to unlock new opportunities for growth in this sector.
The Italian Climate Fund Projects were another significant area of focus. These projects aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Uganda, helping the country build resilience against environmental challenges. Through Italy’s support, Uganda hopes to implement strategies that will address climate change while promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation.
In her remarks, Ugandan Ambassador to Italy, H.E. Elizabeth Paula Napeyok, expressed her gratitude to Italy for its unwavering support and deepening relationship with Uganda. She highlighted the importance of the Italian Green Initiative Project, which will play a pivotal role in advancing Uganda’s environmental sustainability. Ambassador Napeyok urged Ugandans to seize the opportunity for growth and development that the Italian projects will bring.
On the other hand, Ambassador Massoni emphasized Italy’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s development across various sectors. He noted that the upcoming delegation visit will assess the areas where Italy can provide the most meaningful support, with waste management being one of the immediate priorities.
The meeting marked a significant milestone in the continued collaboration between Uganda and Italy, setting the stage for the Italian delegation’s visit later this month. Both countries are optimistic that these initiatives will lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable development in Uganda, benefiting communities across the country. As Uganda moves toward a more sustainable future, the partnership with Italy promises to be a key driver of growth and prosperity, not only for Uganda’s cities but also for its rural communities, agriculture, healthcare, and the environment.
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