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Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee: I am honored to appear before you today as the President's nominee to be Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda. I am deeply grateful to President Clinton and Secretary Albright for the confidence and trust they have shown through this nomination. Mr. Chairman, few countries have experienced the trauma and turmoil Uganda suffered during its first 25 years of independence. Its turnaround under the leadership of President Museveni has been remarkable. President Museveni embraced fundamental economic reform and led initiatives to attract foreign investment, increase trade, and spur economic growth. The United States has actively assisted Uganda's transformation. Our bilateral assistance program furthers Uganda's efforts to increase rural household incomes, conserve critical ecosystems, and provide quality primary education. It also supports efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS and improve accountability in governance. Uganda, however, still faces significant challenges. It remains one of the world's poorest countries. Corruption is pervasive. Insurgents are active in the north and west. Participatory democracy and good governance are still works in progress. The United States should, I believe, continue to work in partnership with Uganda to meet these challenges. Uganda plays a key role in the peace and stability of East and Southern Africa. That said, Uganda's involvement in the complex and destabilizing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has placed strains on economic and political reform programs. We are encouraging constructive participation by Uganda in regional efforts to resolve the conflict. Stability in the region enhances prospects for Uganda's integration into the global economy and the promotion of U.S. commercial interests in Uganda. Mr. Chairman, if confirmed by the Senate, I will draw on my 23 years as a Foreign Service Officer in Africa, Asia, and Europe to ensure to the best of my ability that U.S. objectives are met and U.S. resources are used wisely. Thank you. I would be pleased to respond to your questions. [end of document] |
