KAMPALA– The Algerian government has reaffirmed its commitment towards the rehabilitation and upgrading of Katakwi General Hospital to enhance health service delivery in Uganda.
Speaking during celebrations to mark the 71st Anniversary of the Revolution and liberation of Algeria, H.E Mourad Amokrane, the Ambassador of Algeria to Uganda, said the initiative reflects Algeria’s continued commitment to improving access to quality healthcare in Uganda and to supporting the well-being of our African brothers and sisters.
Algeria recently provided a $13.7m (about Shs50b) grant to expand and rehabilitate Katakwi general hospital. The project funded through the Algerian International Cooperation for Solidarity and development Agency,
will improve healthcare access for over 500,000 people in Katakwi and surrounding districts by upgrading infrastructure and specialized services, reducing the need for long-distance travel and also ease financial burden.
It will also help decongest regional referral hospitals, improve access to specialized care, an stimulate local economies through job creation.
The project will include; a modern out-patient department, emergency unit, operating theatre, radiology department, and an intensive care unit, which is the first of its kind in Eastern and Northern Uganda.
Katakwi Hospital was established as a dispensary in the 1956 during the colonial administration, then elevated to HC IV by the NRM government and consequently to a District Hospital in 2011 but there had been no commensurate improvement in its infrastructure to match a hospital status.
H.E Amokrane described November 1st as a sacred date, a decisive moment that changed the course of the history of the Algerian nation.
“I would like everyone to first bow with respect and gratitude before the memory of one and half million of our courageous martyrs who paid with their lives so that Algeria could be free and sovereign,” Amokrane said.
He further noted that November 1st opened a new era to their struggle for freedom from colonialism that lasted for decades, during which their people suffered from all kinds of injustices, exploitation, as well as oppression and humiliation.
He noted Algeria and Uganda share a history of struggle and resilience in that both countries fought to reclaim their dignity and sovereignty.
Amokrane emphasized that yesterday, they proudly celebrated the outbreak of bravery by people who defied 132years of abject colonization and who unleashed, on November 1st 1954, a revolution that would find a great echo beyond borders, leading to the decolonization of most of Africa and Asia.
He was proud to add that the support of African people and nations was a key pillar of the success of Algeria’s struggle for independence, illustrating a deep pan-African solidarity and a shared awareness of decolonization, adding that it was in this spirit that Algeria opened its doors to African freedom fighters like Nelson Mandera and others providing training, and political support to those still under colonial rule.
H.E said Algeria and Uganda have since stood firm in their commitment to Pan- Africanism and South-South cooperation and advancing the voice of Africa on the global stage.
In her remarks the Vice President Jessica Alupo, who was the chief guest said the Algerian liberation struggle reminds us of the foundation of Pan-African solidarity and liberation.
“The Algerian Revolution of 1954 offers multiple reflections to Uganda and most Countries in Africa that pursued the same path to be liberated and gain Independence during the years that followed in the early 1960s,” she said.
Alupo noted that indeed, Algeria’s struggle to ensure complete decolonisation of Africa continues to this day where Algeria has consistently called for referendum for the people of Western Sahara to determine their own destiny.
She added that, this history has continued to bind our two Countries in promoting peace and security not only bilaterally but in the whole of Africa and the world over.
The vice president said Uganda and Algeria have had a deep-rooted history of cordial relationship since 1960s defined by brotherhood, shared struggles, and mutual respect coupled with diplomatic, economic, educational, and development spheres.
“It is worth noting, since the State visit of H.E. President Yoweri Museveni to Algiers in 2023; our bilateral cooperation has yielded significant results reflected in the various sectors that have spurred economic growth and development,” Alupo said.
Algeria agreed to buy Uganda’s milk and today Uganda’s milk is being exported to Algeria with the first consignment having been flagged off by H.E President Museveni;
Uganda’s coffee is also being exported to Algeria. She disclosed that Algeria has also asked Uganda to supply her with meat.
Alupo said Uganda is ready to work with Algeria to ensure all the exports requirements including Halal are met.
Algeria also continues to support Uganda’s Education sector. The Algerian Government has offered about 500 scholarships in 2024 academic year in areas of ICT, Veterinary & Human Medicine, Mineral & Energy, Tourism, Agriculture, Engineering, among others.
She said the two countries have exchanged business visits to explore new products including fruits, vegetables and sweet bananas from Uganda and Machinery, pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals from Algeria.
The two countries’ Chambers of Commerce & Industry have also signed various MoUs as well established the Uganda – Algeria Joint Business Council.
The vice president said, Uganda and Algeria share a common understanding and perception on most issues affecting the continent as well as global issues and put emphasis on dialogue and peaceful co-existence.
“Both Countries continue to work together to promote sustained peace and security and sustainable development on the continent, particularly through African integration,” she said.
“That’s why we have selflessly participated in regional and international efforts and initiatives aimed at maintaining peace and security,” Alupo said.
She told His Excellency that Uganda is therefore, ready to continue working with other partners including Algeria to safeguard peace and security so that her own development goals can be achieved.
