Speech of Ambassador Jimmy Kolker, July 4, 2003

First of all, on behalf of my wife Britt-Marie and the staff of the U.S. Mission let me warmly welcome every one of you to our Embassy this evening.

This is a wonderful time to be celebrating American Independence Day in Uganda.

The close ties between Uganda and the United States were highlighted during the visit of President Yoweri Museveni to Washington last month and will be our focus again with the arrival of President George W. Bush in Uganda next week.  The relationship between our two countries is solid, successful, and growing.

Much as we rejoice at the genuine friendship between our two Presidents, it is important to recognize that the strength of the partnership between the United States and Uganda is not limited to political bonds or any specific issue.  The United States Government has been involved for many years with all aspects of Uganda's development.  And Americans representing business, non-government and church groups likewise have wide-ranging collaboration with their Ugandan counterparts.

This American interest in Uganda springs from the very principles of the American Revolution itself, from July 4, 1776.

Our Declaration of Independence talks of "Government by consent of the governed."  And that spirit of democracy, collective responsibility and human dignity guides American policy to this day.  Every one of you here today has contributed in one way or another to American and Ugandan efforts to advance these principles.

Ladies and Gentlemen, a lot is being written these days about Uganda's extraordinary achievements in fighting HIV/AIDS.  And the U.S. is proud to have been a partner in this effort.

Through USAID, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and others, we contribute nearly $40 million per year towards AIDS education, prevention, care, & treatment in Uganda.

And, as you will hear from the President himself, Uganda is a guiding light for his new $15 billion Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief.

There is also exciting progress in the area of economic development, trade & finance.

We are working to improve Uganda's productivity and competitiveness in many sectors, from basic crops to non-traditional exports to infrastructure to manufactured garments, which can be exported to the United States under AGOA.

And the U.S. treasury Department, as well as USAID, is here working with Ugandan government and private-sector organizations to improve access to finance and business capital.

Improvements in human rights and democracy are essential to sustain all of the achievements Uganda has made to date.  The U.S. is helping Uganda to strengthen its Parliament and local governments.  We are building capacity to fight money laundering and corruption.

The United States is also committed to helping bring an end to the terror and atrocities being inflicted by the LRA on northern Uganda.

We have increased our humanitarian and food aid, and our community resilience and rehabilitation programs.  I urge Ugandans to exploit every opportunity to bring a peaceful end to this destructive conflict.

At the same time, we are re-starting a modest program of military training and assistance, to improve the UPDF's capacity to protect and defend the civilian population.

The American Center here at the Embassy organizes educational exchanges, distributes publications, and runs an outstanding library.  They also sponsor cultural programs, such as-let me put in a plug here-the Kampala Jazz All-Stars gig at the National Theater this weekend.

Ladies & Gentlemen, 2003 has already been an active and productive year.  Uganda supported the United States and the U.K. to bring an end to dictatorship in Iraq.

We can, if we work together, make 2003 the year that we also end four conflicts in this neighborhood that have been going on for decades.  I'm talking about northern Uganda, Congo, Sudan, and Burundi.  Uganda and its partners must intensify our efforts to bring about an enduring political settlement for each of these wars.

And Uganda also has the chance this year, 2003, to put in place the procedures and institutions that will assure a vibrant political evolution, leading to something Uganda has never known before-a peaceful handover of power from one leader to another.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to propose a toast to Uganda and to the health of President Yoweri Museveni.