Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda

After working almost 4 and a half years at our Embassy, the posting of our colleague ruth van zorge recently came to an end. Over the past years she developed the SRHR (Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights) portfolio together with our colleague Adokorach Judith. Time for some reflections over the past years with Ruth: "Reflecting on our current programmes, I am proud to see the SRHR portfolio consist of a diverse set of activities targeting the complex set of underlying factors that influence SRHR for all. The Embassy has invested in large scale comprehensive programmes in West Nile and Eastern Region, and smaller activities focused on a specific SRHR challenge. This has only been able through the constructive partnerships with the Government of Uganda, UN Agencies, Development partners, International NGOs and Ugandan Civil Society, and the private sector. Through these partnerships we have been able to contribute to the lives of young people and women in Uganda by; a) increasing access to SRHR information and comprehensive sexuality education to make safe and informed decisions; b) increasing access to inclusive, rights-based, quality SRH and SGBV services (public and private), and; c) contributing to an enabling environment at social, policy and political level." "Combined with Netherlands support to the Civil Society Programme and Global Health Initiatives, the activities have contributed to a decrease in; Maternal Mortality, unmet need for contraceptives, unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions and prevalence and impunity of Sexual and Gender Based violence, including child marriages." "I am impressed with the professionalism, the energy and resilience of our partners and of all those young people and women I’ve interacted with in the past years; the brave women in the GBV (Gender Based Violence) advice center’s in Kalangala; the powerful teacher in Yumba teaching the students on SRH information, the strongly committed district officials in so many districts, the health center staff with new equipment procured with Result Based Financing funds, the male champions against GBV, the proud pharmacist in Wakiso, the tireless youth activists and the technical expertise within the different ministries." "Recent years, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Uganda, have particularly been challenged and impacted by COVID and the Anti-Homosexuality Act, At the same time, these challenges have demonstrated the importance of SRHR as a key contributor for inclusive development. Despite challenges and thanks to collective efforts, some of Uganda’s SRHR indicators have impressively progressed. However, some indicators progress slow, and others are almost stagnant. Continuous investments in SRHR remain crucial. I will be no longer part of it, but I am confident progress will continue, with the many capable and determined actors in country." We would like to thank Ruth for all her work with our partners over the past years!

Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC) mobilized a grant of 13.1 million Euros from Invest International on behalf of the Dutch government towards development of the ORIO mini hydro project for rural electrification. The project is co-financed by the Government of Uganda and the ORIO Infrastructure fund managed by Invest International. Today our Head of Development, Mr Joost van Ettro, had the pleasure to preside over the signing ceremony of the construction contract held at UECCC offices. With this ORIO project, 9 mini hydro power plants (combined capacity of 6.7 MW) and a local distribution network will be constructed, and around more than 26,000 households will be connected to the grid. Ultimately, the project aims to improve power supply to 375,000 people and boost private sector development in rural areas of Western Uganda. Thanks to the MD of UECCC, Roy Nyamutale Baguma and the former MD Specioza Kimera Ndagire and the UECCC staff for hosting the ceremony! We look very much forward to the further implementation of this project and providing more people in Uganda with access to energy. Photocredits: Volcanic Creative/UECCC #accesstoenergy #NLinUganda

🟠Message for all Dutch people traveling or staying in Uganda🟠 More information, please click here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eF-yza3

💻 Join us on Wednesday 17 July for our very first LinkedIn Live-event! The rapid development of digital technologies has an impact on the achievement of all #SDGs. The role of digital innovation is indispensable in solving societal and economic challenges, and fostering inclusive, sustainable and equitable development. Moreover, #digitaltransformation is a major driver of Uganda’s Vision 2040, and Uganda aims to build a digitally enabled society that is ‘secure, sustainable, innovative and transformative’. Therefore, digitalization is integrated in the work of the Netherlands in Uganda across all different sectors, such as #ruleoflaw, #migration and #privatesectordevelopment. Join us in a discussion on the opportunities and challenges in digitalization with our partners BarefootLaw, Emata and ILO PROSPECTS, moderated by Solomon Serwanjja. When: Wednesday 17 July at 6:00 - 7:15 pm Where: LinkedIn Live @ Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda OR follow the link below

Tonight at 6pm, we will start a LinkedIn Live about Digitalization and Development. Join us all via: https://lnkd.in/eJ4hZ9_c Moderated by Solomon Serwanjja, our guests Bram Willem van den Bosch from Emata, Gerald Abila from BarefootLaw, and Evans Lwanga from ILO PROSPECTS will discuss how they use digital solutions to be more effective in their work. We look forward to engaging with you!

💻 Join us on Wednesday 17 July for our very first LinkedIn Live-event: https://lnkd.in/eJ4hZ9_c The rapid development of digital technologies has an impact on the achievement of all #SDGs. The role of digital innovation is indispensable in solving societal and economic challenges, and fostering inclusive, sustainable and equitable development. Moreover, #digitaltransformation is a major driver of Uganda’s Vision 2040, and Uganda aims to build a digitally enabled society that is ‘secure, sustainable, innovative and transformative’. Therefore, digitalization is integrated in the work of the Netherlands in Uganda across all different sectors, such as #ruleoflaw, #migration and #privatesectordevelopment. Join us in a discussion on the opportunities and challenges in digitalization with our partners Barefoot Law, Emata and ILO PROSPECTS, moderated by Solomon Serwanjja. When: Wednesday 17 July at 6:00 - 7:15 pm Where: LinkedIn Live @ Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda OR use link 👉: https://lnkd.in/e2kdkr3a

💻 Join us on Wednesday 17 July for our very first LinkedIn Live-event: https://lnkd.in/eJ4hZ9_c The rapid development of digital technologies has an impact on the achievement of all #SDGs. The role of digital innovation is indispensable in solving societal and economic challenges, and fostering inclusive, sustainable and equitable development. Moreover, #digitaltransformation is a major driver of Uganda’s Vision 2040, and Uganda aims to build a digitally enabled society that is ‘secure, sustainable, innovative and transformative’. Therefore, digitalization is integrated in the work of the Netherlands in Uganda across all different sectors, such as #ruleoflaw, #migration and #privatesectordevelopment. Join us in a discussion on the opportunities and challenges in digitalization with our partners Barefoot Law, Emata and ILO PROSPECTS, moderated by Solomon Serwanjja. When: Wednesday 17 July at 6:00 - 7:15 pm Where: LinkedIn Live @ Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda OR use link 👉: https://lnkd.in/e2kdkr3a

The cooperative movement worldwide is a key partner in accelerating sustainable development. Today is #International_CooperativeDay and this year's theme is "Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All". Also in Uganda we see the contribution of cooperatives to build a sustainable future, accelerating efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) by 2030. Our Embassy partners with Pearl Capital Partners for the Dairy and Horticulture Credit Facility. Through this Facility we increase adoption of affordable financing models by strengthening SACCOs to provide inclusive and affordable credit finance to smallholder farmers. Recently we had a monitoring field visit to some of the beneficiary SACCOs and farmers together with our implementing partner PCP and technical partners SNV and TechnoServe. We listened to their experiences so far and shared lessons learned. Together with our partners, the SACCOs and smallholder farmers we will further improve the different products developed through this Facility. #InternationalDayofCooperatives #CoopsDay #accesstofinance

Have you heard of 'Aquaponics'? Aquaponics is an innovative combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. At the Netherlands residence, Paul Bakuwel and the residence staff have been growing their own leafy vegetables and fish (Tilapia) for the past four years, which have been used by the chef for the daily meals and even for some of the events hosted at the residence! 🥬🐟 In this system, plants thrive on nutrient-rich water from the fish tanks, purifying the water, which is then reused for fish growth. The result? As fresh and healthy as it gets, right from our backyard. From lettuce to spinach, from strawberries to peppers… 🍓🌶️ The beauty of aquaponics is that it doesn't take up much space, making it perfect for #urbanfarming. We have trained our residence staff and Paul has organized several private masterclasses! 🌿 Be inspired by the photos below and start grow your own fresh produce, even in the city! 🌿 #Aquaponics #UrbanFarming #Sustainability #HealthyEating

Today, marks the last day in office for H.E. Karin Boven as Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda. "Many thanks to everyone that was part of the past four years in this incredible country". We wish her and her spouse all the best in her new posting in Kosovo 👋