U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg visits Uganda

Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson [left] and Deputy Secretary James Steinberg [center] meet President Museveni

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg visited Uganda February 3-4.  The Deputy Secretary’s visit was part of a broader regional trip to Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia.  During his stop in Uganda, Deputy Secretary Steinberg met with President Museveni, opposition leaders, and civil society. In the meeting with civil society leaders, Mr. Steinberg reiterated the U.S. commitment to safeguard the human rights of all individuals -particularly minority groups.

During the Deputy Secretary’s meeting with President Museveni, they discussed ongoing issues of importance in our bilateral relationship including democratic development, regional security, and human rights.  In the meeting with opposition leaders, he discussed the upcoming February 18 presidential elections.

Mr. Steinberg also delivered a public lecture on U.S. foreign policy in Africa at Makerere University’s Faculty of Food Science and Technology.  He stated, “With elections two weeks away, this is a defining moment for Uganda.  We want our friend and partner to stand out as a democratic success story, and we urge all Ugandans to contribute to free, fair, and peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections…”

Supporting democracy, good governance, and accountability is one of the United States’ strategic objectives in Uganda.