By Andrew Irumba
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Saturday November 16, 2019 held a lengthy meeting with the European Union Delegation to Uganda, during which he discussed various issues, among them climatic change, environmental degradation and the 2021 general election.
Shortly after the meeting, President Museveni tweeted thus; “Met with the European Union delegation in Uganda led by the EU Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Attilio Pacific as part of our continuous engagements
About environment degradation, an issue the envoys raised, the government shares their concerns. A large population in agriculture means continuous attacks on wetlands, forests, water bodies etc. But steps are being taken to remove people from environmentally sensitive areas.”
While commenting about the elections, Museveni stated that “On the political situation in the country ahead of 2021 elections, the government is committed to ensuring free and fair elections. Relevant government organs are handling the necessary reforms are needed ahead of the elections.”
President Museveni also commended the European Union for fostering good trade relations with Uganda. He said that “Trade is complimentary because each participating party benefits. (Ultram) I appeal to the EU envoys to attract more European companies to invest in Uganda and take advantage of the ready market here. I thank the European Union countries for emphasising trade rather than aid when dealing with Uganda. This has seen our earnings from the European Union triple the EU aid to Uganda in the past few years.”
