Ambassade du Burundi à Kampala Diplomatie
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Kampala, Uganda: The Embassy of Burundi in Uganda celebrated the country’s 63rd Independence Anniversary at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, with dignitaries and guests from various countries in attendance. H.E Brig. Gen. Jules Ndihokubwayo, Burundi Ambassador to Uganda, delivered a speech highlighting the country’s economic potential, diplomatic ties, and progress in various sectors.
Under the vibrant lights of the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, the rhythmic beats of Burundi’s traditional drums reverberated through the air, captivating the hearts of esteemed guests and celebrating the nation’s 63rd National on Tuesday 1st July, 2025.
The night was a kaleidoscope of color and movement, as beautiful Burundi local dances took center stage, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Notable diplomats, Ambassadors, Burundians in Uganda, and friends of Burundi gathered to commemorate this momentous occasion, hosted by the Burundi Ambassador to Uganda, Brig. Gen. Jules Ndihokubwayo.
As the drums pulsed and the dancers spun, the room was electrified with a sense of pride, unity, and joy, paying tribute to Burundi’s enduring spirit and its people’s unwavering resilience.
Burundi’s journey since independence in 1962 has been marked by significant progress and resilience. The country has made strides in various spheres, including politics, economy, social development, culture, technology, and innovation. Burundi has transitioned from a monarchy to a republic, with efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote national unity. The country has also experienced economic growth, driven by investments in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.
Socially, Burundi has expanded access to education and healthcare, improving living standards and reducing poverty. The country has preserved its rich cultural heritage, promoting traditional music and dance, and fostering community development. In the realm of technology and innovation, Burundi has leveraged mobile technology to improve access to services and drive innovation, and established innovation hubs to support startups and entrepreneurs.
Today, Burundi is a nation on the move, with a growing economy, improved living standards, and a strong sense of national identity.
According to Ambassador Ndihokubwayo, Burundi is endowed with significant mineral reserves, including gold, lithium, coltan, and nickel, which constitutes 6% of the world’s nickel reserves. The country has also made significant progress in the energy sector, with several hydroelectric power stations recently inaugurated or under construction.
« The Government of Burundi is promoting the sector of energy, with many hydroelectric power stations being accomplished while others are still under construction, » Ambassador Ndihokubwayo said. « This is a crucial step towards the development of our country, as we aim to become an emerging nation by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. »
The Ambassador also highlighted Burundi’s commitment to democratic governance, citing the country’s recent peaceful and transparent general elections. He noted that the presidential elections will be held in 2027, as per the Constitution of 2018.
On bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Ndihokubwayo emphasized the cordial relations between Uganda and Burundi, which share membership in regional organizations such as the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). He noted that the two countries have a long history of cooperation, with Burundi having handed over the presidency of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Region to Uganda.
« The cooperation between our two countries became stronger since the NRM Government came into power, where a general memorandum of cooperation was signed on 2 November 1986, followed by many others, » Ambassador Ndihokubwayo said.
The Ambassador also highlighted the trade relations between the two countries, with Burundi purchasing goods such as sugar from Uganda, while Uganda is a potential market for Burundi’s maize production.
Ambassador Ndihokubwayo thanked the guests for their attendance and proposed a toast to the good health of the Presidents of Burundi and Uganda, as well as the growing relationship between the two countries.
« Let me now request everyone to fill his or her glass and join me in proposing a toast to the good health of H.E Major General Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE, H.E. General Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI, cordial and growing relationship between our two-sister people and countries, » Ambassador Ndihokubwayo said.
Representing the Minister of Internal Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Kisule, Senior Presidential Advisor, conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of the Republic of Burundi on this auspicious occasion.
He remarked that this day marked a moment of profound pride, reflection, and renewal, not only for Burundi but for the entire region, reflecting the shared commitment to upholding sovereignty, unity, and self-determination.
Dr. Kisule emphasized the cordial and enduring bilateral relations between Uganda and Burundi, rooted in common history, cultural affinities, and mutual aspirations, evidenced by reciprocal diplomatic representation and President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s recent visit for the 12th High-Level Regional Oversight Mechanism meeting, highlighting Burundi’s dedication to regional solidarity and peace.
He noted flourishing cooperation through structured frameworks like the Joint Permanent Commission and various Memoranda of Understanding, including a recently signed military cooperation agreement.
Tangible progress was acknowledged in education, capacity building, and knowledge exchange, with ongoing training between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the Burundi National Defence Forces, alongside Uganda’s academic institutions supporting human capital development and regional integration.
Dr. Kisule affirmed both nations’ Pan-Africanism and sustained collaboration within multilateral frameworks such as the East African Community, ICGLR, and the African Union, citing their joint contributions to peace missions like AMISOM/ATMIS and EACRF in the DRC as testaments to continental peace and stability.
He further extended congratulations on Burundi’s successful legislative and local elections on June 5, 2025, expressing hope for the equally successful senatorial election on July 25, 2025.
Dr. Kisule also reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, eagerly anticipating new areas of collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure development, youth employment, and other critical sectors vital for the socio-economic transformation of both nations.
As the night drew to a close, Burundi’s 63rd Independence Anniversary celebrations in Kampala shone brightly, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage, economic potential, and strong diplomatic ties.