Analytical Feature: Uganda’s Growing Relationship with Serbia and the Balkans & Boosting Coffee Exports to the World

In a significant move to foster diplomatic ties and enhance trade relations, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda met with the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Dr. Vladimir Orlić, at the National Assembly located in Belgrade’s Nikola Pasic Square. During this historic meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation between their nations and explored opportunities for progress and prosperity for their citizens.

Uganda-Serbia: A Shared History and Vision for the Future

President Museveni recalled the common historical moments that connect Uganda and Serbia, including their mutual struggle for freedom and independence. The meeting highlighted the support Uganda received from former Yugoslavian President Marshal Tito during its anti-colonial struggle in Africa. Tito’s principled stand, refusing to be drawn into Soviet-Sino quarrels, earned him the admiration and appreciation of the Ugandan people. President Museveni’s remembrance of this pivotal moment in history underlined the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.

The discussions during the meeting further emphasized Uganda’s determination to bolster its economy by diversifying its sectors. President Museveni particularly stressed the country’s commitment to increase its coffee exports, one of Uganda’s major agricultural commodities. He expressed his vision to collaborate with fair-minded investors, including Serbia and other nations, to add value to Ugandan coffee at the source. By investing in coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging within Uganda, the country aims to move beyond exporting raw coffee and create more value from processed coffee.

President Museveni called upon Serbia and other governments to support this endeavour by removing the tax on processed coffee, promoting fair trade practices, and investing in value-addition initiatives within Uganda. He emphasized the importance of reciprocity, encouraging the support of Uganda’s prosperity as the country has historically contributed to the prosperity of other nations.

The National Assembly President’s Response and Commitment

Dr. Vladimir Orlić, President of the Serbian National Assembly, warmly welcomed President Museveni’s visit, hailing it as a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations, and President Orlić recognized the importance of further deepening cooperation.

Serbia’s President, H.E Aleksandar Vucic, has been working tirelessly to maintain peace and stability in the country despite the challenges posed by the Kosovo issue. President Orlić expressed gratitude to Uganda for its support of Serbia’s candidacy as the host of Expo 2027, demonstrating the mutual understanding and traditional closeness between the two nations.

The opening of the Uganda Trade Hub, known as “Uganda Connect,” in Belgrade represents a crucial milestone for bilateral trade. This hub will serve as a central point for Ugandan exports, providing a seamless connection to the Balkans region. It will facilitate trade linkages and enable Ugandan entrepreneurs to showcase their products in Serbia’s burgeoning market and the wider Balkan region.

President Museveni’s focus on coffee exports underscores Uganda’s determination to unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector. By promoting value-addition and engaging in fair trade practices, Uganda aims to elevate its coffee industry and maximize returns for its coffee farmers and stakeholders.

Special presidential advisor and chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) Odrek Rwabogo, hailed the launch of the hub stating that it was a step in strengthening relations between Uganda and Serbia. “The Uganda Trade Hub in Belgrade strengthens bilateral ties between Uganda and Serbia, unlocking export opportunities in the Balkans region. Crafted spaces foster dialogue and discovery, let’s add value/standards and export,” Rwabogo states, adding: “The successful launch of the Uganda Trade Hub marks a major milestone in our journey of export promotion.”

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