The Ugandan government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the United States.
The commitment was made on Thursday evening as the U.S. Embassy in Kampala officially launched the Freedom 250: The American Edge campaign, marking the beginning of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The launch event, held at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Kampala, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, alumni of U.S. exchange programmes, and members of the media to celebrate the longstanding partnership between Uganda and the United States.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Relations, Henry Okello Oryem, described Uganda’s relationship with the United States as “cordial and historical,” noting that American support has played a significant role in Uganda’s development since independence.
“The U.S. government has had a very cordial, historical relationship with Uganda since independence, and we have had continuous support from the American government in many sectors,” Oryem said.
The minister praised U.S. contributions to Uganda’s health sector, particularly during the HIV/AIDS crisis, Ebola outbreaks, and other public health emergencies.
“Without the full-scale intervention of the American government to assist Uganda in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Uganda would be much higher today,” he said.
Oryem also acknowledged U.S. support for Uganda’s refugee response, education sector, and security cooperation, especially collaboration between the United States military and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
“The U.S. Army trains many of our officers at institutions such as West Point and other high-level institutions in America. The American government has helped Uganda build the capacity to contribute to peacekeeping and regional stability,” he noted.
He added that despite occasional disagreements between the two countries, the relationship has remained resilient and constructive.
“Disagreements are normal — even husbands and wives disagree, but they remain together. What is unique about the relationship between Uganda and the United States is that even when disagreements arise, we continue to engage and maintain our friendship,” Oryem said.
Referring to past tensions over Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, Oryem said the issue no longer defines relations between the two nations.
“The current administration has indicated that this issue should not define Uganda-U.S. relations. That demonstrates the strength and maturity of the relationship between our two countries,” he added.
Oryem also praised U.S. Ambassador William Popp for strengthening engagement between Kampala and Washington during his tenure.
“Ambassador Popp has been highly engaged with the Government of Uganda and has promoted cooperation in education, health, infrastructure and agriculture. He has been one of the best ambassadors I have worked with during my time in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
Launching the Freedom 250 campaign, U.S. Ambassador William Popp said the initiative is intended to celebrate not only America’s 250-year history but also the enduring values of innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and partnership that continue to shape U.S.-Uganda relations.
“Freedom 250 is an opportunity to reaffirm that American values continue to guide how we engage with partners like Uganda,” Popp said.
The ambassador described the “American Edge” as the competitive advantage created through American innovation, technology, research, entrepreneurship, and educational exchange.
“When Ugandans partner with American businesses, study at U.S. universities, or collaborate with U.S. researchers, they gain world-class technology, transparent business practices, cutting-edge research, transformative education, and global networks to compete internationally,” he said.
Popp highlighted several areas where American partnerships have had a direct impact in Uganda, including health, research, business, education, and agriculture.
“I have seen the American Edge in laboratories at Makerere and Mbarara universities, where Ugandan researchers use American technology to unlock the genetic codes of diseases,” he said.
He also pointed to U.S. support during Uganda’s Ebola response in 2025, saying cooperation between American and Ugandan scientists helped contain the outbreak within 90 days.
“That response saved lives in Uganda, but it also protected Americans and people around the world. That is what true partnership looks like,” Popp said.
The ambassador further highlighted contributions by American companies operating in Uganda, including investments in communications infrastructure, financial services, agriculture, and manufacturing.
“These companies do not just do business in Uganda. They invest in Uganda, create jobs, transfer knowledge, and expand opportunities,” he said.
Popp also recognized Uganda’s more than 6,000 alumni of U.S. exchange programmes, describing them as ambassadors of innovation and leadership.
“Every one of you is part of American excellence in action — and you brought it back to Uganda,” he told alumni attending the event.
As part of the celebrations, the embassy announced that the Freedom 250 campaign will run through 2026 and will feature media engagements, storytelling initiatives, exhibitions, public events, and educational programmes aimed at showcasing stories of American innovation and cooperation in Uganda.
The celebrations will culminate on July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.
“Freedom 250 celebrates what we have accomplished together so far — and what we will accomplish together over the next 250 years,” Ambassador Popp said.