President Museveni, U.S. Assistant Secretary Frazer Discuss Bilateral and Regional Issues

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer was received by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at his ranch in Mpigi today.  In their two-hour meeting, Ambassador Frazer and President Museveni discussed U.S.-Uganda bilateral relations as well as regional issues.

President Museveni and Ambassador Frazer consulted at length about Uganda’s long-standing conflict with the terrorist Lord’s Resistance Army in northern Uganda, and the current state-of-play on the diplomatic, military and humanitarian aid fronts.  Frazer and Museveni agreed the LRA is a regional problem that will require greater regional cooperation and sustained support from the international community to resolve.  Ambassador Frazer will travel to Gulu on Tuesday, June 20, in order to see first hand the conflict’s toll on the people of northern Uganda, and the efforts underway to provide humanitarian aid.

Ambassador Frazer and President Museveni also consulted on recent developments within Somalia and their impact on Somalia’s progress towards stability.  Both agreed that the international community should coordinate initiatives to support the restoration of stability through forums like the recently established Somalia Contact Group and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development.  They affirmed the need to continue support for the Somali Transitional Federal Government and the need to prevent Somalia from being a safe haven for terrorists.

President Museveni and Ambassador Frazer also discussed the importance of encouraging more rebel groups to accept the Darfur Peace Agreement.  The two pledged to continue to support peace in Darfur and the implementation of Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Ambassador Frazer commented, “President Museveni and I had fruitful, substantive discussions on both bilateral and regional issues.  The U.S. government has a strong partnership with Uganda.  I appreciated this opportunity to share perspectives with President Museveni.”

For further information, please contact Alyson Grunder, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy (Tel: 41-259-791, ext. 6310 or email: grunderal@state.gov)