Parliament hails outgoing Swedish ambassador Håkansson

What the report says

Parliament has paid tribute to outgoing Swedish Ambassador to Uganda Maria Håkansson, praising her role in strengthening ties between Uganda and Sweden. According to Nile Post, lawmakers described her tenure as one that helped deepen cooperation in health, education, development and democratic institutions.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa commended Håkansson for supporting bilateral relations and for Sweden’s engagement in development areas, especially education. Government Chief Whip Jane Ruth Aceng also thanked the Swedish government for its partnership with Uganda, saying Swedish support had been particularly important in health, including maternal health.

Opposition Leader Joel Ssenyonyi used the farewell to reflect on the long relationship between the two countries and said Uganda could learn from Sweden’s approach to governance, human rights and the rule of law, not only from its aid. Bukooli County Central MP Solomon Silwany recalled Swedish-funded programmes that supported communities and children in several districts.

Terego District Woman Representative Rose Obiga added that Håkansson had made efforts to embrace Ugandan culture and noted Sweden’s role in hosting Ugandans and helping with visa-related concerns. The remarks came as Parliament marked the end of Håkansson’s tenure, with legislators broadly presenting her departure as the close of a period of active cooperation between the two countries.