Unity and Diplomacy: VP Alupo and 25+ Envoys Gather in Kampala to Honour 71 Years of Algeria’s Liberation.

By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D. (Hon.), Anastasias Gordon Sekandi, Faith Barbara Ruhinda & Princess Scovia K

Kampala, Uganda — Updated at 2145 EAT on November 5, 2025

The Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in Uganda on Tuesday hosted a colourful reception at the ambassador’s residence in Kampala to mark the 71st Anniversary of the Algerian Revolution of 1954, a milestone event that ignited the North African country’s liberation struggle against French colonial rule and inspired freedom movements across Africa.

The commemoration was graced by Uganda’s Vice President, H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the chief guest. She was accompanied by Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, State Minister for Higher Education, and Hon. Grace Mary Mugasa, State Minister for Public Service, along with several government officials and members of parliament.

The event brought together a distinguished gathering of the diplomatic corps, with nearly all foreign missions in Uganda represented. Among the notable attendees and representatives were:

H.E. Lisa Chesney, High Commissioner of the United Kingdom H.E. Hugues Chantry, Ambassador of Belgium H.E. Virginie Leroy, Ambassador of France H.E. Mags Gaynor, Ambassador of Ireland H.E. Signe Winding Albjerg, Ambassador of Denmark H.E. Mauro Massoni, Ambassador of Italy H.E. Frederieke Quispel, Ambassador of the Netherlands H.E. Mehmet Fatih Ak, Ambassador of Türkiye H.E. Vladlen Semivolos, Ambassador of Russia H.E. Sasayama Takuya, Ambassador of Japan H.E. Upender Singh Rawat, High Commissioner of India H.E. Muhammad Hassan Wazir, High Commissioner of Pakistan H.E. Mohammed Bin Khalil Faroudah, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia H.E. Zhang Lizhong, Ambassador of China H.E. Fatima Yesenia Fernández Juárez, Ambassador of Venezuela H.E. Tania Pérez Xiques, Ambassador of Cuba H.E. Monzer Selim, Ambassador of Egypt H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Ambassador of Ethiopia H.E. Damptey B. Asare, High Commissioner of Ghana H.E. Zanna Umaru Bukar-Kolo, High Commissioner of Nigeria H.E. Frank Mugambage, Ambassador of Rwanda H.E. Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare, Ambassador of Somalia H.E. Lulama Mary-Theresa (Lulu) Xingwana, H.E. Paul Malong Akaro, Ambassador of South Sudan H.E. Dr. Aziz Ponary Mlima and others

Vice President Alupo Praises Algeria’s Role in Africa’s Liberation

In her speech, Vice President Alupo extended warm congratulations to the government and people of Algeria on behalf of President Museveni and the people of Uganda.

“The Algerian liberation struggle reminds us of the foundation of Pan-African solidarity and resistance against colonialism,” she said. “Algeria’s Revolution of 1954 inspired Uganda and many African nations that gained independence in the 1960s. Algeria continues to stand for justice, including its call for self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.”

She commended Algeria’s long-standing cooperation with Uganda, citing the strengthening of economic, educational, and diplomatic relations following President Museveni’s 2023 state visit to Algiers.

“Since that visit, Uganda’s milk and coffee are now being exported to Algeria, and discussions are ongoing to expand exports to include meat and fresh produce,” she noted.

The Vice President further acknowledged Algeria’s contribution to Uganda’s education sector, particularly through over 500 scholarships offered to Ugandan students in 2024 in fields such as ICT, veterinary and human medicine, engineering, and agriculture.

“Uganda is committed to working with Algeria to deepen trade, enhance education, and promote regional peace,” she affirmed before proposing a toast to the friendship between the two nations.

Ambassador Amokrane Reflects on the Revolution’s Enduring Legacy

In his address, H.E. Mourad Amokrane, the Algerian Ambassador to Uganda, paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during Algeria’s eight-year war of independence.

“On the night of November 1, 1954, brave Algerian patriots ignited a revolution that not only changed our nation’s destiny but inspired the liberation of Africa,” he said. “One and a half million martyrs paid the ultimate price for freedom.”

Ambassador Amokrane recalled Algeria’s solidarity with liberation movements across the continent, noting that the country earned the title “Mecca of Revolutionaries” for its unwavering support to African freedom fighters, including Nelson Mandela and others.

He also highlighted Algeria’s growing economic progress, noting that it ranks among Africa’s top three economies, maintains free education and healthcare, and has nearly zero external debt.

“Algeria and Uganda share a proud history of resistance, resilience, and Pan-African unity,” he emphasized. “Our partnership now extends to trade, healthcare, and education.”

The ambassador pointed out that bilateral trade between the two countries has grown significantly, with Uganda exporting powdered milk and coffee to Algeria following recent trade agreements. He also announced an initiative for Algeria to renovate and upgrade Katakwi General Hospital in eastern Uganda — a project symbolizing ongoing solidarity between the two nations.

Ambassador Amokrane also expressed hope for the success of Uganda’s forthcoming 2026 general elections, commending the country’s stability and leadership in regional peace efforts.

“We are proud of Uganda’s diplomatic leadership under President Museveni, particularly its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement,” he said. “Together, we shall continue to uphold the ideals of freedom, unity, and mutual respect.”

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Celebrating Friendship Through Culture and Fellowship

The evening concluded with the screening of a documentary on Algeria’s revolutionary history, followed by the cutting of a commemorative cake and a sumptuous dinner. Guests shared moments of cultural exchange and camaraderie under the theme of African unity and solidarity.