Why is North Korea quitting Uganda?

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni October 23 2023 met the outgoing Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) to Uganda, H.E Jong Tong Hak who paid a courtesy call on him at State House Entebbe.

During the meeting, President Museveni bid farewell to Ambassador Jong and lauded him for the job well done during his time of service in Uganda.

Ambassador Jong informed the President that North Korea has taken a strategic measure to reduce the number of embassies in Africa, Uganda inclusive in order to increase efficiency of the country’s external institutions.

He however assured President Museveni that despite the changes, the bilateral relations between Uganda and North Korea will continue.

“Our connections will be continued through Malabo- Equatorial Guinea. Our Ambassador will soon present his credentials to you, Your Excellency,” H.E Jong added.

“Our physical absence cannot block our hearts, minds and souls. Our good friendship will continue and will be further strengthened and developed. I convey this commitment from my government. Your Excellency, I have lived in Kampala for many years. I love Uganda and its people. I was the Deputy Ambassador for four years from 2009 to 2013 and became the full Ambassador from 2017 to date,” he further assured.

The Ambassador also hailed President Museveni for consistently supporting the Korean government in enforcing its peaceful efforts to realize a harmonious unification of the Korean Peninsula.

“Although the Korean Peninsula situation is still intense, our government is trying to stabilize the situation. That is why it continues to build up its strength to protect its territory and people,” he said.

“My government still vividly remembers your famous speech at the UN General Assembly in 2017 which you made before the world as you expressed your gratitude to our government, North Korea, such a speech made us happy, and we are grateful.”