Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called for enhanced economic, defense, and innovation cooperation between Uganda and the Republic of Korea, advocating for a shift from aid-based relations to one focused on strategic investment and technological partnership.
Speaking at Korea’s National and Armed Forces Day celebration in Kampala, Tayebwa commended Korea’s transformation from a war-torn nation to a global economic powerhouse, describing it as a model of resilience and innovation for Uganda to follow. "The Republic of Korea symbolizes resilience, having emerged from the destruction of war to become one of the world's leading economies and a hub for technological innovation," Tayebwa said. "Your story serves as an inspiration to us and many other nations that have faced similar hardships."
He emphasized that future Uganda-Korea collaboration should focus on sectors such as industrial innovation, renewable energy, manufacturing, ICT, and defense—areas essential for sustainable development and youth employment. "I envision a new chapter in Uganda-Korea relations, one that goes beyond development aid to include strategic cooperation in industrial innovation, renewable energy, manufacturing, and ICT," Tayebwa added.
Tayebwa also shared that during a recent meeting with Mr. Lee Jai, head of the Korea SDG Forum, both nations agreed to expand cooperation in areas like environmental management, digital health, innovation, peacekeeping, and defense capacity building. He expressed Uganda's eagerness to leverage Korea’s advanced technology and defense expertise to bolster its security and industrial base. "We are exploring new forms of cooperation that will not only enhance our defense capabilities but also foster innovation and industrialization," he noted.
The Deputy Speaker also acknowledged Korea's ongoing humanitarian efforts, especially through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean Embassy, in supporting refugees and host communities in Uganda. He pointed to initiatives such as solar-powered water systems and improved sanitation facilities in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, calling them "transformative for both refugees and host communities."
Tayebwa praised the professionalism and discipline of the Korean Armed Forces, stating that their commitment to peace and national development serves as a model for many nations. "As we honor the courage of the Korean Armed Forces, we also celebrate the spirit of friendship and shared destiny that binds our nations," he said.
He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to deepening its 60-year relationship with Korea, emphasizing a mutual vision of peace, innovation, and shared prosperity. "Uganda deeply values this friendship, a relationship now spanning more than 60 years. Let us continue to uphold peace, development, and mutual prosperity," Tayebwa stated.
The event also recognized outgoing Korean Ambassador Park Sung-soo, whom Tayebwa commended for his role in strengthening ties between Kampala and Seoul. "We have had many good times together on the golf course, though he has beaten me several times," Tayebwa joked. "I will miss you, my brother, but the friendship you’ve built will continue even after you leave."
Ambassador Park shared that both countries share a vision for practical, mutually beneficial partnerships that focus on trade, investment, and sustainable growth. He explained that Korea’s new administration, under President Lee Jae-myung, is pursuing "Pragmatic Diplomacy," which prioritizes partnerships grounded in shared interests and people-centered cooperation rather than ideology.
"The new government is pursuing Pragmatic Diplomacy, built on strong democracy, focusing on mutually beneficial partnerships beyond ideology, with the support of the people," Ambassador Park said. "This aligns closely with Uganda’s Commercial and Economic Diplomacy, which emphasizes value addition, trade, investment, and industrial development through international collaboration."
He highlighted Korea’s expanding K-Initiatives, which promote the country’s soft power and technological expertise worldwide, including in Africa, covering culture, innovation, and digital transformation. "Through these initiatives, we look forward to deepening the friendship and strengthening the partnership between Korea and Uganda," he added.
Ambassador Park noted that Korea’s cooperation with Uganda already spans key sectors such as energy, water, agriculture, health, and education, and expressed optimism that future engagements would accelerate investment and knowledge exchange.
Reflecting on his four-year tenure in Uganda, Ambassador Park described his time in Uganda as "deeply rewarding" and praised the progress made in bilateral relations. "Uganda is the first country where I’ve served as an ambassador, and it has also become the country where I’ve lived the longest in a single posting, apart from my homeland," he said. "Looking back, I’ve witnessed remarkable progress in Korea-Uganda relations."
He expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government and diplomatic community for their support and reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to cooperation in innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable development.
The evening’s celebration also featured cultural performances, K-pop music, and traditional Korean cuisine, showcasing Korea’s cultural diversity and further strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations.