Uganda High Commission Dar es Salaam

COMMEMORATION OF 40 YEARS OF SERVICE AND EXCELLENCE OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (NEMC)
Date: 29 May 2026

Venue: Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), Dar es Salaam

Theme: “Accelerating Environment Governance to Respond to Emerging and Evolving Development Demands”

Today, H.E. Amb. (Rtd) Col. Fred Mwesigye attended the commemoration marking 40 years of service and excellence of the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam.

The event brought together invited guests from various Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the private sector, development partners, representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and delegates from different countries.

The ceremony was officiated by H.E. Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Second Vice President of Zanzibar.

In her remarks, the Director General of NEMC, Dr. Immaculate Sware Semesi, highlighted the Council’s continued commitment to promoting accountability across different sectors through enhanced cooperation between government institutions and other stakeholders. She noted that NEMC has undertaken several environmental conservation initiatives including tree planting campaigns aimed at strengthening environmental stewardship among citizens, as well as environmental conservation training programs in schools. Dr. Semesi further observed that the increasing use of plastics continues to pose a significant challenge to environmental sustainability.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Eng. Hamad Yussuf Masauni stated that the Government is in the process of installing a digital system that will monitor environmental pollution across the country. He emphasized that appropriate measures will be taken against individuals and entities found polluting the environment.

In his keynote remarks, H.E. Hemed Suleiman Abdulla commended H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, for championing clean energy and environmental conservation initiatives in the country. He noted that the Government has made considerable progress in environmental protection and conservation efforts. However, he acknowledged that increasing economic activities continue to pose challenges to the environment. To address these challenges, the Government has implemented several measures including a directive to plant one million trees in every district across the country. He further commended NEMC for its dedicated service over the past 40 years and encouraged the Council to continue strengthening environmental governance and conservation efforts in the years ahead.

The commemoration underscored the importance of collective responsibility and strengthened partnerships in advancing environmental governance and sustainable development in Tanzania.

UPDATES: The First Ugandan Diaspora Convention in Malawi is underway in Lilongwe, bringing together members of the Ugandan community, government representatives, and stakeholders to strengthen unity, engagement, and diaspora participation in national development.

In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Ugandan Community in Malawi (Ugacom) highlighted the importance of unity, community support, cultural preservation, business engagement, and stronger Uganda–Malawi cooperation. He noted the significant progress made by the Ugandan diaspora community in areas including cultural events, business networking, consular support, sports, and advocacy for improved connectivity between Uganda and Malawi.

The Chairperson also outlined Ugacom’s strategic priorities, including strengthening community engagement, promoting trade and investment, advocating for improved consular services, supporting direct air connectivity, and enhancing business opportunities for Ugandans living in Malawi.

The Convention continues to provide a platform for dialogue, networking, and collaboration aimed at building a stronger, more united, and productive Ugandan diaspora community in Malawi.

In his remarks at the Uganda Diaspora Convention in Malawi, H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malawi, emphasized the strong bonds of friendship, unity, and cooperation between Uganda and Malawi, while highlighting the important role of diaspora communities in promoting development, investment, innovation, and cultural exchange.

He noted that the Ugandan and Malawian diaspora communities are key partners in shaping the future through entrepreneurship, professional expertise, remittances, and people-to-people connections that strengthen the image of Africa globally.

The High Commissioner further called for deeper collaboration in trade, tourism, agriculture, education, technology, and cultural diplomacy, while encouraging stronger partnerships, youth empowerment, and Pan-African solidarity to build a prosperous future for both nations and the African continent.

HAPPENING NOW: The Uganda Diaspora Convention is underway at Sunbird Capital Hotel, bringing together members of the Ugandan diaspora community in Malawi for engagement on investment, immigration, consular services, and national development opportunities.

The Convention has been organized by the Uganda High Commission in Malawi and is aimed at strengthening engagement with Ugandans living in Malawi while enhancing awareness of opportunities and government services available to the diaspora.

Among the attendees are H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, representatives from the Uganda Investment Authority, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control Uganda under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Consular Department of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services Malawi.

The Convention continues to provide a platform for dialogue, networking, and collaboration between the Ugandan diaspora and government institutions on matters of investment, citizenship, immigration, and diaspora engagement.

UPDATES: The Uganda - Zambia Trade and Business Forum is underway in Lusaka under the theme: “Exploring and Tapping into the Rich Opportunities for Deeper Collaboration.”

In his remarks, H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy, regional integration, trade, investment, tourism, energy, mining, manufacturing, and industrial partnerships between Uganda and Zambia.

He highlighted Uganda’s strategic location at the heart of East Africa, its investment-friendly environment, youthful workforce, and the vast opportunities available across agriculture, tourism, energy, ICT, infrastructure, manufacturing, and mineral development.

He further noted that the Forum is providing a platform for B2B and B2G engagements aimed at fostering joint ventures, technology transfer, regional value chains, and increased trade and investment flows between the two countries.

In her remarks, Mrs. Lilian Walya, Permanent Secretary at Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, emphasized the importance of intra-African trade, regional integration, and private sector-led growth as key drivers of economic transformation and job creation. She noted that Uganda can source products such as fertilizer, cement, sugar, tiles, and homecare products from Zambia.

Mrs. Walya also highlighted Zambia’s investment opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, and ICT, while reaffirming Government’s commitment to improving the business environment through trade facilitation reforms, investment incentives, and strengthened public-private dialogue.

She further noted that through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia has introduced a single window system that has streamlined trade processes, reduced border delays, and enhanced efficiency. In addition, the Government continues to provide incentives for investors operating in Special Economic Zones, rural areas, and selected priority sectors.

HAPPENING NOW: Uganda–Zambia Trade & Investment Forum Underway at Taj Pamodzi Hotel, Lusaka

The Uganda High Commission in Zambia, in collaboration with the Zambia Development Agency, is hosting a Trade and Investment Forum at Taj Pamodzi Hotel under the theme: “Exploring and Tapping into the Rich Opportunities for Deeper Collaboration.”

The forum has brought together government officials, investors, tourism stakeholders, private sector leaders, and business representatives from Uganda and Zambia to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, tourism, energy, and economic cooperation.

Present at the forum is H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia; Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Humphrey Asiimwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals; Mr. Simon Kaita, Product Development and Investment Officer at the Uganda Tourism Board; Mr. Timothy Mivingo, Regional Economic Cooperation; Ms. Prosie Hope Kikabi, Senior Investment Executive at the Uganda Investment Authority; representatives from Uganda Airlines including the Country Manager; and Ms. Lilian Walya, Permanent Secretary at Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

Companies participating from Zambia include Yatu T, Jewel of Africa, Union Gold, Proton Electrical Cables, and Trekking Travels and Tours, alongside other stakeholders exploring trade, investment, and partnership opportunities between Uganda and Zambia

H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye Receives H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Uganda for President Museveni’s Swearing-In Ceremony.

H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, today received the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan, upon her arrival in Uganda for the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

DAY 1 OF NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION ENROLLMENT EXERCISE IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

The Uganda High Commission in Zambia officially launched the National Identification Card enrollment and issuance exercise for the Ugandan diaspora in Lusaka on 9th May 2026. The exercise is taking place at Wills Hotel and will continue through 13th May 2026.

Members of the Ugandan diaspora commended the initiative, highlighting that the outreach program has greatly improved access to national identification services by bringing them closer to the community.

The Uganda High Commission remains committed to ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery throughout the exercise and encourages all eligible Ugandan nationals in Zambia to utilize the ongoing enrollment and issuance services.

Ambassador Fred Mwesigye Visits PRO Heli International Service Centre to Promote Uganda’s Aviation and Defence Industry Capabilities

On 6th May 2026, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Dar es Salaam, Amb. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, conducted an official visit to PRO Heli International Service Centre in Nakasongola District.
He was received by Deputy CEO Rtd Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kwihangana, Head of Commercial & Pilots Mr. Andrei Turanin, Head of Operations Eng. Caroline Mulowooza, and Head of Technical Mr. Andrei Kryraltserich.
PRO Heli, commissioned by H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2022, specializes in helicopter overhaul, maintenance, and repair. During the visit, the High Commissioner toured key facilities including the bonded warehouse, electroplating unit, mechanical department, main hangar, carpentry workshop, and fuel testing hangar.
Eng. Mulowooza highlighted that PRO Heli operates Africa’s first and only tail rotor overhaul workshop for Mi-series helicopters. She also noted the company’s services in helicopter sourcing, technical inspections, consultancy, and upgrades tailored to client requirements.
Reflecting on his tenure as the first General Manager of Luwero Industries (1987–1994), Amb. Mwesigye commended the team’s work and pledged to promote PRO Heli’s capabilities across the countries to which he is accredited.