The outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Uganda, Park Sung-Soo, on Thursday paid a farewell courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations (CDF and SPA/SO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe, marking the end of his four-and-a-half-year diplomatic tenure in Uganda.
Ambassador Park was accompanied by Heejo Choi, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Jaehoon Choi, Senior Researcher at the South Korean Embassy in Uganda.
The meeting was also attended by the UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Lt. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, and Uganda Human Rights Commissioner, Crispin Kaheru.
The farewell engagement highlighted the strengthening military and diplomatic relations between Uganda and the Republic of Korea, with both sides reflecting on the progress achieved during Ambassador Park’s tenure and expressing commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation.
General Muhoozi described the occasion as a recognition of a friendship that has become “much closer, warmer, and more practical,” underscoring the significant strides made in cooperation between the two countries over recent years.
Recalling his previous meeting with Ambassador Park in September 2023, General Muhoozi noted the considerable progress that had since been achieved and expressed appreciation for South Korea’s collaboration with Uganda across several sectors, including defence, health, and infrastructure development.
General Muhoozi also paid tribute to Ambassador Park’s personal contribution to advancing bilateral relations, describing him as a “true bridge-builder” whose efforts had helped facilitate defence agreements and expand South Korea’s support for Uganda’s security infrastructure.
In his farewell remarks, Ambassador Park expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his leadership and for maintaining peace and stability in Uganda and the wider region throughout his posting.
The outgoing ambassador also used the occasion to advocate for deeper diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations.
He requested that Uganda consider establishing a resident diplomatic mission in Seoul as a reflection of the growing friendship, strategic partnership, and expanding areas of cooperation between Uganda and the Republic of Korea.
In addition, Ambassador Park proposed the conclusion of a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) between the two countries.
He noted that such an agreement would provide a predictable legal framework for investors, enhance investment security and confidence, protect investments against arbitrary actions, facilitate the resolution of investment disputes, and encourage increased Korean private-sector investment in Uganda.
The ambassador identified manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, and value-added industries as key sectors that could benefit from increased investment cooperation.
“These measures would strengthen economic ties, deepen bilateral relations, and unlock greater opportunities for trade, investment, technology transfer, skills development, and job creation in both countries,” Ambassador Park said.
He further expressed confidence that the strong foundation of military and diplomatic cooperation established during his tenure would continue to grow even after his departure.
The meeting concluded with warm exchanges between the two delegations and a shared commitment to further strengthening the partnership between Uganda and the Republic of Korea.