On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), Hon. Okello Oryem, held a meeting with Ambassador Juan Humberto Macias Pino, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Cuba, where the two discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest between the two countries.
Ambassador Pino confirmed that the Republic of Cuba will participate in the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Mid-term Review Summit, scheduled to take place from October 14–16, 2025, at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo. Uganda is the current chair of the NAM.
The meeting also touched on matters to be addressed at the forthcoming 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Hon. Oryem extended deep appreciation to the government and people of Cuba for their historical solidarity with Uganda and the African continent.
He noted Cuba’s significant contribution under the leadership of Fidel Castro during Africa’s liberation struggles—most notably its decisive support against apartheid in South Africa, its military assistance in Angola’s fight for independence, and its role in Namibia’s long war against colonial rule.
Cuba also extended solidarity to liberation movements in Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and Ethiopia during critical periods of anti-imperialist struggle.
The Minister highlighted that these sacrifices, made thousands of miles from Havana, remain a testament to Cuba’s Pan-African spirit and its commitment to freedom and justice.
Hon. Oryem also praised Cuba’s continued cooperation in contemporary times, particularly in the fields of education—through scholarship opportunities to Ugandan students—and health, where Cuban medical professionals have supported Uganda’s health sector.
He noted that this partnership has endured despite the economic hardships Cuba continues to face due to unilateral sanctions imposed by powerful global actors.
The renewed commitment between Uganda and Cuba comes at a time when the NAM summit in Kampala is expected to highlight solidarity among developing nations in the face of ongoing global challenges.