North Korea is preparing to close its embassy in Uganda, effectively ending a diplomatic presence in one of its longstanding African allies after nearly five decades of diplomatic relations.
This decision was announced following a meeting between Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and North Korean Ambassador Jong Tong Hak.
In a statement from the Ugandan presidency, it was revealed that North Korea’s ambassador informed President Museveni that the embassy’s closure is part of a strategic measure aimed at reducing the number of embassies in Africa, including Uganda. This move is intended to enhance the efficiency of the country’s external institutions.
Ambassador Jong emphasized that despite the embassy’s closure, the strong friendship between the two nations will continue and even be further strengthened and developed.
North Korea established diplomatic ties with Uganda shortly after Uganda gained independence from Britain in 1962. This relationship included North Korean support for Ugandan leader Idi Amin when he took power in 1971, including the provision of training and weapons.
A year after these events, North Korea opened its embassy in Kampala.
Over the years, President Museveni made multiple visits to North Korea, where he had meetings with the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the father of the current leader, Kim Jong Un.
The closure of the North Korean embassy in Uganda marks a significant development in diplomatic relations between the two nations and could have broader implications in the region.
