President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the outgoing Tanzanian High Commissioner to Uganda, Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, for his dedicated service and significant contribution to strengthening the longstanding diplomatic relations between Uganda and Tanzania.
The President made the remarks during a farewell courtesy call at State House, Entebbe, where he received the envoy following the successful completion of his two-and-a-half-year diplomatic assignment in Uganda.
President Museveni congratulated Maj. Gen. Kisesa on completing his tour of duty and praised his efforts in fostering closer cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. He noted that Uganda and Tanzania continue to enjoy a historic and brotherly relationship founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for regional prosperity through the East African Community.
The President emphasized the importance of sustaining the strong partnership between the two nations by expanding economic cooperation and investing in strategic infrastructure that promotes trade, connectivity, and regional development.
As part of this commitment, President Museveni pledged to accelerate the construction of the **Masaka–Mutukula Road**, a vital transport corridor linking Uganda and Tanzania. He noted that the project will facilitate cross-border trade, improve the movement of goods and people, and further strengthen regional integration.
Speaking during the meeting, Maj. Gen. Kisesa congratulated President Museveni on earning another mandate to lead Uganda, describing it as a reflection of the confidence Ugandans have in his leadership.
The outgoing High Commissioner also commended Uganda's remarkable socio-economic transformation, observing that the country has registered impressive progress across multiple sectors in recent years.
“For someone who has taken a long time to visit Uganda, one can be amazed. The development is very fast, and Uganda will be different with the current speed of development,” Maj. Gen. Kisesa said.
He recalled his first visit to Uganda in 2022 during a study tour at the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) in Kimaka and said he was impressed by the remarkable transformation he witnessed upon returning to serve as Tanzania's High Commissioner in 2024.
“I found a totally different country. Congratulations, Your Excellency, upon this development,” he said, citing the country's expanded road infrastructure as one of the most visible indicators of Uganda's progress.
Maj. Gen. Kisesa further applauded Uganda's petroleum discoveries, describing them as a strategic resource with the potential to drive economic growth across the East African region. He noted that the country's oil and gas sector will create new investment opportunities, strengthen energy security, and enhance regional cooperation.
Uganda and Tanzania continue to maintain strong diplomatic, economic, and security relations. The two countries are implementing several strategic regional initiatives, including the **East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)**, while also working together to improve trade, transport infrastructure, and regional integration for the benefit of their citizens.