By Faith Barbara N. Ruhinda | HICGI News Agency
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Nigerian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Ambassador Misitura Abdulraheem, has called on African governments to invest in a network of transnational superhighways connecting countries across the continent, saying improved road infrastructure is key to accelerating African integration, facilitating free trade and easing the movement of people.
Ambassador Abdulraheem made the appeal during a high-level courtesy visit by a delegation led by Heal The Planet Global Organisation (HTP) President, Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D. (Hon.), accompanied by Nigerian nationals Bishop Dr. Triumph Ndukwe Ikechukwu and Princess Adanma Uzoigwe Susan, Director of Eagle Fly Centre.
The Ambassador emphasised that Africa must increasingly look beyond national boundaries and develop infrastructure that connects its economies, creates business opportunities and strengthens cooperation among its people.
She expressed satisfaction with the cordial diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Uganda, highlighting the growing interaction between the two countries in business, education, tourism, entertainment and religious activities.
UGANDA’S TOURISM POTENTIAL IMPRESSES NIGERIAN ENVOY
Away from her diplomatic responsibilities, Ambassador Abdulraheem revealed that she had taken time to explore some of Uganda’s remarkable tourist destinations, including Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Victoria.
She praised Uganda’s natural beauty and immense tourism potential, describing it as a country truly deserving of its aa@258, The Pearl of Africa.
NIGERIAN INVESTORS EYE UGANDA
On economic cooperation, the High Commissioner pointed to the growing investment footprint of Nigerian business interests across Africa, citing billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote’s expansion into East Africa’s oil sector as an encouraging example of the increasing economic integration of African businesses.
She noted that several other Nigerian investors were also exploring business opportunities in Uganda, signalling growing interest in the country’s economy.
The growing Nigerian community in Uganda is another reflection of the strong relationship between the two countries. According to the Ambassador, several Nigerian celebrities, including movie personalities, musicians and preachers, have increasingly made Uganda their home.
Thousands of Nigerian students are also studying in Ugandan educational institutions, further strengthening people-to-people relations.
AIR CONNECTIVITY STRENGTHENS BILATERAL RELATIONS
The introduction of direct flights between Abuja and Entebbe by Uganda Airlines, operating three times a week, is also expected to facilitate travel, tourism, investment and business exchanges between the two countries.
Improved air and road connectivity remain important pillars in strengthening commercial and diplomatic relations across Africa.
BISHOP TRIUMPH INVITES HIGH COMMISSIONER TO HIS WEDDING
The courtesy visit also featured a moment of personal fellowship when Bishop Dr. Triumph Ndukwe Ikechukwu extended an invitation to Ambassador Abdulraheem to attend his forthcoming wedding in Kampala later this month, where he will be marrying a Ugandan woman.
Bishop Triumph subsequently led a special prayer for Uganda, Nigeria and their respective leaders.
Among those remembered in prayer were Uganda’s President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and Nigeria’s President, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as Ambassador Abdulraheem and presidents and ambassadors representing other nations.
The prayer sought God’s wisdom, knowledge, protection and good health for national leaders, alongside peace, stability and prosperity for their citizens.
The engagement highlighted the importance of diplomacy beyond official government engagements, bringing together business, tourism, education, faith and cultural relations.
As Africa continues to pursue deeper economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), calls for cross-border infrastructure development reinforce the need for stronger partnerships and practical investments that connect African nations and unlock the continent’s enormous economic potential.
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