By Executive Editor

In May 2024, Cuba and Uganda will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. 

These relations have grown from strength to strength, despite the difficult times in each country’s history.

The two governments have since developed bilateral cooperation projects in many areas, including trade agreements, in order to contribute towards the economic and social achievements of both nations, which have enhanced our people-to-people relations.

In building these relations, individuals and institutions have played a part.

One of the individuals who have been recognized in this journey is Prof. Celestino Obua. Prof. Obua is the Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Last month, friends of Cuba in Uganda organized the National Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba with an overall objective of bringing together Ugandan personalities, institutions and organizations linked with the Movement for Solidarity with Cuba, with emphasis on the participation of Ugandan youth.

The meeting, held at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono, was closed by the Vice President of Cuba, Salvador Valdés Mesa.

It was during the close of this meeting when individuals like Prof. Obua were recognized. Prof. Obua in particular was honored with the 60th Anniversary Seal of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, ICAP.

MUST, an institution Prof. Obua leads, is the leading bilateral cooperation project, which started as an idea by the historical Cuban leader Fidel Castro and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and that has come to fruition with the training of Ugandan medical students. 

Meanwhile, the Programme for Celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Uganda was launched last month.