By: Joseph Mary Buwule.
KAMPALA – The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, together with the Minister of State for Local Government, Justine Nameere, this afternoon held a farewell courtesy meeting with the outgoing Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E. Frederieke Quispel.
The meeting, held in Kampala, marked the official send-off of Ambassador Quispel, who has concluded her diplomatic assignment in Uganda after years of service aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and the Netherlands.
During the engagement, Minister Barugahara commended the ambassador for what he described as her “outstanding contribution” to Uganda’s development agenda. He noted that during her tenure, Ambassador Quispel actively promoted investment opportunities in Uganda and consistently advocated for agricultural transformation, sustainable development, and deeper economic cooperation between the two countries.
“She has been a true friend of Uganda,” Barugahara said, adding that her efforts helped to enhance mutual understanding and practical collaboration in key development sectors.
The ministers also highlighted the ambassador’s role in supporting initiatives aligned with Uganda’s development priorities, particularly in agriculture, trade, and sustainability—areas that remain central to Uganda–Netherlands cooperation.
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Uganda has for years played a significant role in facilitating diplomatic, economic, and development partnerships between the two nations. Uganda and the Kingdom of the Netherlands continue to maintain strong relations built on trade, investment, and development cooperation.
In her remarks, Ambassador Quispel expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for the warm working relationship and support extended to her during her tenure. She reaffirmed her commitment to continue supporting Uganda’s development journey in whatever capacity she serves in the future.
The Ugandan government extended its appreciation for her service and wished her success in her next chapter, expressing optimism that the strong partnership between Kampala and The Hague will continue to grow beyond her tenure.
Officials emphasized that Uganda looks forward to continued cooperation with the Netherlands in areas of mutual interest, including sustainable agriculture, private sector development, and climate resilience.