Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Students,

It is a great pleasure to be with you today at the Islamic University in Uganda as we celebrate the inauguration of the Culinary Arts and Cooking Workshop at the IUIU Female Campus in Kabojja.

This project is much more than the opening of a new facility. It is an investment in people, in education, and in the future of Uganda’s young generation—especially its young women. It also reflects the enduring friendship and strong partnership between Türkiye and Uganda.

The Culinary Arts Academy has been established to strengthen education and research in culinary arts and pastry making by providing modern training facilities and equipment. More importantly, it will give students practical, market-oriented skills that will increase their employability, encourage entrepreneurship, and open new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

In today’s world, vocational education is just as valuable as academic education. Skills create opportunities, and opportunities transform lives. We hope that the students who train here will not only find successful careers but will also become entrepreneurs, create jobs for others, and contribute to Uganda’s economic development.

I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, TİKA, for once again demonstrating Türkiye’s commitment to Uganda through meaningful and sustainable development projects. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership and staff of the Islamic University in Uganda for their excellent cooperation and shared vision.

Dear Students,

This facility has been built for you. I encourage you to make the best use of it. Work hard, be creative, and never stop learning. The knowledge and skills you gain here will stay with you throughout your lives and help shape your future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Development cooperation remains one of the strongest pillars of the partnership between Türkiye and Uganda.

Through TİKA, together with Turkish institutions and non-governmental organizations, Türkiye has implemented 128 development projects across Uganda in areas including education, vocational training, healthcare, agriculture, water, and community development. Each of these projects reflects our belief that sustainable development begins with investing in people.

Looking ahead, Türkiye remains firmly committed to supporting Uganda’s development priorities. We will continue working closely with our Ugandan partners to strengthen human capacity and institutions in sectors such as education, vocational training, health, agriculture, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

As the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, we are proud to be part of this journey.

Together with TİKA and our NGOs, we will continue to build bridges of friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity between our two countries.

To the students, I wish you every success. To IUIU, I wish continued growth and excellence. And to TİKA, I congratulate you on yet another meaningful contribution to the people of Uganda.

Thank you very much.