9th May 2022 marked the 48th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uganda and Cuba. Mbarara University of science and technology has greatly benefited from the relationship, since 1989, making it 33 years of the partnership.
According to the Ambassador of Cuba to Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi H.E Dr. Tania Perez Xiques, the partnership with MUST was the leading bilateral cooperation project. This was initiated by H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda, who requested the then President of Cuba H.E Fidel Castro to support Uganda in her cause to promote Science and Technology. Castro supported Uganda/MUST by sending Cuban Professors to work and skill human Resource in Uganda.
These worked closely with the then Vice Chancellor Prof. F.I.B Kayanja to start Faculty of Medicine with four Cuban Professors. Since then, Cuba has continued to send Professors in different departments under Faculty of Medicine.
H.E Dr. Tania Perez, thanked the current Vice Chancellor prof. Celestino Obua for welcoming the Cuban team on April 13, 2022 which gave insights of all the contributions by the Cuban professors. She further appreciated the current Cuban team at MUST that included: (Prof. Carlos Manuel Cabrera Dreque, Prof. Yarine Farardo Tornes and Prof. Silvia Lopez Miranda)
She added that the continued support by the Cuban expatriates has benefited both Ugandans and Cubans. This is because they have experienced professional and personal development as well as giving back to Ugandans.
The two countries have supported each other on international issues. Such as Uganda has unconditionally supported the struggle of the Cuban people against the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States among other issues.
The two governments of Uganda and Cuba have embarked on consolidating, strengthening and expand the bilateral cooperation between the two countries for a win-win situation.
The highlight of that point is the decision to reopen the Embassy of Uganda in Havana and the current discussions to further improve the bilateral cooperation.
The Ambassador concluded by calling upon the two governments to celebrate the new anniversary with the commitment to continue working relentlessly for the well-being of Uganda and Cuba.