The Norwegian government has assured Uganda that it will maintain its support for various gender equality and women’s empowerment projects, even after the planned closure of the Norwegian embassy in Uganda next year. This commitment was emphasized during a recent courtesy call at the gender ministry headquarters in Kampala.
The Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda, Anne Kristin Hermansen, clarified that the embassy’s closure is part of a broader restructuring of Norway’s foreign service. However, development cooperation efforts will continue under the guidance of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development highlighted the significant positive impact of collaborations between the two countries on projects aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. These initiatives have led to the reduction of gender-based violence, campaigns against female genital mutilation (FGM), and the development and implementation of Uganda’s National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security.
The Gender Equality for Development (GEfD) program, a government-to-government initiative between Norway and Uganda, has played a vital role in advancing gender equality. As a result of this productive collaboration, a Ugandan delegation is preparing for a learning visit to Norway to explore early childhood care and development practices in the coming year.
The commitment of Norway to support Uganda’s gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives underscores the enduring partnership between the two nations, ensuring that these vital projects will continue to thrive.