Speech by Kerem Alp
Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey
Graduation Ceremony of the Tailoring and Fashion Design Courses
For Women
Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Kabojja Branch
10 January 2019

Dr. Madina,
Coordinator of TIKA and Director of Turkish Airlines in Uganda,
Colleagues,
Dear Teachers, Dear Parents,
Ntwala omukisa gunno okubaniriza!
Dear Students,
We are here to celebrate your graduation. Congratulations!
Distinguished guests,
I am delighted to be on 4th Graduation Ceremony of the Tailoring and Fashion Design Courses of SENA Foundation.
This year of 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Turkey-Uganda diplomatic relations.
I extend you the greetings of HE President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the First Lady. It was during their visit two years ago that TIKA donated the sewing machines that you have used during your education here.
In addition to these, 24 battery-operated wheelchairs were donated to the disabled people.
The Turkish government has contributed towards the renovation and where necessary expansion of vocational centers. We have been encouraging Turkish investment in agriculture, value addition and infrastructure development.
TIKA, in cooperation with SENA Foundation donated 54 sewing machines and 120 rolls of fabric to the needy in Uganda. Today, I have seen with my eyes that you, dear graduates, have made best use of them. Your creativity is remarkable. Congratulations and thank you!
Women are the ones who are rearing the future generations.
Women have been the backbone of the Turkish War of Independence almost a century ago.
Cognizant of their role in the society, Atatürk, the founder of the Republic and its first president, was among the first leaders in the world expanding democratic rights of women. Turkish women gained their right to elect and be elected in Turkey long before many countries in the West.
Education of women is also key in development. Because in fact, education starts within the family; family is the most important venue of education.
It is in your hands that the next generations will grow and become the future Uganda. I am confident that you are aware of this responsibility.
Dear Guests,
Turkey has been the leading actor in humanitarian diplomacy in the international community with its focus on the human cause and through its official development and humanitarian aid. Turkey is also the world’s “most generous” humanitarian donor in terms of the ratio of the official humanitarian assistance to national income.
Today, Turkey has 42 embassies in Africa. 34 African countries opened embassies in Ankara. This shows the mutual understanding and friendly relations between the continent and Turkey.
Turkish Airlines flies to 55 destinations in 37 African countries.
In fact, TIKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency) and Turkish Airlines are two important pillars of Turkey’s African policy.
TIKA, our primary agency for development and humanitarian aid, coordinates development projects in all African countries with 21 coordination offices in the continent.
TIKA has been carrying out successful projects in Uganda in such areas as animal husbandry, agriculture, education, irrigation, health and vocational training.
As you know, with the support of TIKA, currently SENA Foundation is running 3 tailoring centers in Uganda.
It is my pleasure to mention that opening of TIKA Office in Kampala heralds a new chapter in our relations in the development sector.
With these thoughts, I want to extend my thanks to TIKA and SENA Foundation for their efforts and for organizing these courses.
I thank the Islamic University in Uganda and the distinguished teachers. We are grateful to you.
I thank you, dear students, for participating in Tailoring and Fashion Design Courses, and to your parents for joining us today for celebrating your graduation.
Congratulations to you all and I wish you best of success!