President Joe Biden has sent the US Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield to Uganda after Russian foreign affairs minister Sergey Lavrov ended his trip to the impoverished East African country and delivered Vladimir Putin’s message to the nation’s longest serving ruler Gen Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni.
Besides Uganda, Lavrov visited Egypt and Congo. He headed to Ethiopia after his Entebbe visit. Among other issues, Lavrov and Museveni discussed the current energy situation and the food crisis. President Museveni questions the West’s sanctions against Russia, making it clear some powerful nations should not force African countries to hate their (the powerful nations’) enemies. The president saluted Russia for standing with Africa in its anti-colonial struggles.
Lavrov said Russia “highly appreciates the right balance and responsible position that has taken Uganda together with other African states in light of the current events in Ukraine.”
Now, President Biden has sent Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Representative to the United Nations, to Kampala “to discuss the US and global response to the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on global food security, as well as other regional and bilateral priorities.”
According to the Office of Press and Public Diplomacy at the United States Mission to the United Nations, Thomas-Greenfield’s visit to Uganda will focus on democracy, human rights, peace, economic growth, security and refugee issues.
“In Uganda, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will continue discussions with government and civil society leaders about the importance of strong and inclusive democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the promotion of peace, stability, and economic growth,” the press and public diplomacy office said.
“She will also discuss bilateral and regional security issues, and Uganda’s commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees.”
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will also visit Ghana. “In Ghana, a key partner in the UN Security Council, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will meet with government and civil society leaders to discuss bilateral and regional security and political dynamics. She will visit the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center to highlight the role of peacekeepers in international security. Additionally, the Ambassador will meet with peacebuilders and traditional leaders working to strengthen community resilience, build social cohesion, and counter terrorism and violent extremism,” explained the United States Mission to the United Nations press office.
“Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will also deliver a speech in Ghana on the global food security crisis, and she will meet with farmers and civil society representatives who are contributing to food security and inclusive economic growth.”
The diplomat’s visit to both Ghana and Uganda is expected next week, from August 04 and 06.
It should be remembered that Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has on several ocassions begged US President Joe Biden to stop supporting Museveni’s regime and slap sanctions against security chiefs over human rights violations. (Read Story and Watch Video Here).
The US has indeed slapped sanctions against some security chiefs, including former CMI boss Abel Kandiho. (Read Story Here).
