Dear visitors,

As I am ending my tenure as Ambassador of Türkiye in Uganda, I wish to say few words of farewell and appreciation.

For over 4 years of active work I’ve enjoyed the warm hospitality of the people of Uganda and its government. Together, we brought the friendship, trade, investment, humanitarian work, tourism and cooperation between Türkiye and Uganda to an unprecedented level.

Humanitarian activities of TİKA and Turkish NGOs are visible all over the country. I have personally participated in many of them not only in and around Kampala, but from Koboko to Mayuge, from Sipi Bulambuli to Sembabule in so many places, to just name few. We have been active in the four corners of the Pearl of Africa.

The trade volume between Türkiye and Uganda has more than doubled in 4 years, steadily increasing every year including during the pandemic and now reaching almost 100 million USD. It’s worth noting that Ugandan exports increased faster, by more than 300% during this period.

The economic value of infrastructure projects implemented by Turkish contractors is now close to 500 million USD and expected to grow further.

More than these digital figures, I believe the most important change has been in the mindset of Ugandans and Turkish citizens towards their respective countries. Thanks to the opening of the visa handling office, applications for Turkish visas are now handled within few days, as opposed to few months before. Turkish Airlines and Turkish Cargo have reduced the distance between our people and products to just few hours. I also participated in many TV and radio programs as well as zoom meetings, in both countries, where our interaction with audiences has been very enlightening.

Consequently, Ugandans have discovered a modern and industrialized country with many opportunities including but not limited to education, health care and safe employment. Similarly, Turkish citizens visiting the Embassy and participating in our exhibitions and summits were surprised to discover the economic resources, human capital and tourism potential of Uganda; they are now convinced that Uganda is a safe country to invest in.

With these thoughts, I express my sincere appreciation for the support of the Ugandan government and people to our endeavours and participation in the activities of the Embassy. As the baganda would say, “let me come back!”. Kankomewo!

Kerem Alp