President Museveni has defended Uganda’s recently enacted sovereignty law, saying it is necessary to protect the country’s internal affairs from foreign interference.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while bidding farewell to Matthias Schauer, Germany’s Ambassador to Uganda, at State House Entebbe. Schauer was accompanied by his wife, Katharina Schauer, as he concluded nearly six years of diplomatic service in Uganda.
President Museveni thanked the outgoing envoy for his contribution to strengthening relations between Uganda and Germany and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Addressing concerns raised by the ambassador regarding the sovereignty law, Museveni maintained that nations should be allowed to manage their affairs without external influence.
“There are foreigners trying to interfere in our politics. It has been going on for a long time and some of the suffering was because of that. For example, the coup by Iddi Amin was supported and encouraged by the British and the Israelites,” Museveni said.
The President argued that foreign interference has contributed to instability in several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“There was always a need for this law. It’s not hypothetical, but we felt it should be out now. Leave us alone, let us make our own mistakes and we shall learn from our own mistakes,” he added.
Schauer, who assumed office as Germany’s Ambassador to Uganda on July 25, 2020, congratulated Museveni on his re-election and expressed confidence in Uganda’s future prospects.
“I congratulate you on your re-election as President. We are hopeful that many things will move faster than in the past. The biggest asset that this country has is its people. It’s striking how welcoming this country is; the Ugandan spirit has rubbed off on the Bazungu,” Schauer said.
The ambassador also praised Uganda’s culture of blood donation, citing his personal experience at Nakasero Hospital.
“One personal experience is that I am a blood donor. Last week I made my blood donation at Nakasero Hospital, and I think Germany can learn from Uganda on this. That’s something that will remain with me,” he noted.
Schauer further commended Uganda’s preparedness in responding to Ebola outbreaks and expressed hope that the international community would remain measured in its perception of public health challenges affecting the region.
Reflecting on his time in the country, the 66-year-old diplomat revealed that Uganda would be his final diplomatic posting before retirement.
“I am 66 years old. I am retiring after here,” he said.
His wife, Katharina Schauer, said Uganda would continue to hold a special place in their hearts.
“We keep Uganda in our hearts and we shall continue praying for you,” she said.
