Kampala, Uganda | Uganda and the United States have been urged to strengthen their longstanding bilateral relations by expanding cooperation in education, cultural diplomacy, environmental conservation and technological innovation.
The call was made by Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul while speaking during a high-level panel discussion on the 1st July, 2026 at the American Center in Kampala to commemorate 250 years of American freedom. The event was hosted by the United States Embassy in Uganda and brought together diplomats, scholars and cultural leaders to reflect on the evolution of Uganda–United States relations.
Drawing on his experience serving in Washington, Ogwang Okul said diplomacy succeeds when it is founded on mutual respect, cultural understanding and appreciation of established governance systems.
He cited former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1909 expedition to Uganda, noting that the American leader encountered the Buganda Kingdom as a well-organised political institution with functioning governance structures rather than a governance vacuum.
According to Ogwang Okul, the historical encounter offers important lessons for contemporary diplomacy by demonstrating the value of engaging nations through respect for their institutions and cultural heritage.
He also observed that Roosevelt’s scientific expedition, which collected more than 23,000 specimens, illustrated how scientific cooperation can strengthen international relations and foster collaboration between nations.
Ogwang Okul said future Uganda–United States cooperation should focus on four strategic areas: advancing education and mentorship, promoting community-led environmental conservation, strengthening cultural diplomacy and harnessing technological innovation, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.
He welcomed a proposal by the U.S. Embassy to jointly organise future heritage dialogue forums with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the engagements expected to alternate between the American Center and the ministry’s headquarters.
Ogwang Okul commended the U.S. Embassy in Uganda and Chargé d’Affaires Mikael Cleverley for using the American Center as a platform to promote dialogue, knowledge exchange and stronger bilateral ties.
He also praised fellow panellists, including Prince Nicholas Basamula, for highlighting Uganda’s institutional and cultural heritage during the discussions.
