In Summary: Uganda and the Czech Republic are exploring stronger cooperation in defence, agriculture, trade, education and parliamentary affairs, with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Czech Parliament Speaker Tomio Okamura seeking to translate their personal friendship into practical partnerships. The discussions also focused on technology transfer, investment and strengthening parliamentary engagement, following Okamura’s August visit to Uganda.
Prague, Czech Republic — Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Czech Parliament Speaker Tomio Okamura are seeking to deepen bilateral relations between Uganda and the Czech Republic, with defence, agriculture, trade, education and parliamentary cooperation identified as key areas for collaboration.
The two leaders held discussions in Prague on Friday after the conclusion of the week-long Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States–European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly meetings in Brussels on Thursday.
Tayebwa, who was accompanied by a delegation of Ugandan legislators, said the proposed partnership would be anchored in mutual understanding and respect. “Our friendship with the Czech Republic is based on very clear principles of mutual understanding and respect for each other.”
The discussions explored opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, education, trade and investment, with particular emphasis on technology transfer, partnerships between companies and capacity-building for public institutions.
Defence cooperation also featured prominently, with Okamura expressing support for closer engagement between Czech defence industry companies and Uganda. “Our governing coalition and I personally fully support the development of cooperation between Czech defence industry companies and Uganda,” he said.
The two leaders further discussed strengthening the Uganda-Czech Parliamentary Friendship Group to provide a platform for sustained engagement and cooperation between the legislatures.
Tayebwa said Uganda is looking forward to attracting more Czech businesses and expanding investment opportunities. “We are looking forward to seeing more Czech businesses because we need them in our country.”
From personal friendship to stronger bilateral relations
The discussions build on the relationship established during Okamura’s visit to Uganda in August, when he travelled to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a mountain gorilla-tracking experience.
During the visit, the two leaders jointly named a newborn mountain gorilla Tomáš, an experience that has since become a symbol of their friendship and an opportunity to promote stronger relations between the two countries.
Recalling the visit, Okamura described it as unforgettable and expressed hope that the gorilla would remain a lasting symbol of Czech-Ugandan friendship.
He also recalled being described as an unofficial ambassador for Ugandan tourism during his visit, pledging to continue promoting the country’s natural attractions in the Czech Republic. “I will continue to promote the beauty of Uganda among the Czech people,” he said.
As part of efforts to sustain the engagement, Tayebwa invited Okamura and a delegation of Czech officials to visit Uganda next year.
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