Legislators have lauded the outgoing ambassador of Sweden to Uganda H.E Maria Hakanson, for promoting good relations between the two countries, which they say have improved several sectors in Uganda.
In his communication to the House during plenary held on Thursday, 13 August 2026, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said Hakanson has been a strong advocate for support to Uganda’s health sector, focusing on equitable health, including sexual and reproductive health and rights.
“Out of that support, we have got improved and equitable access to basic health and medical care, with a focus on women, children and youth. We have also had great access to and respect for sexual and reproductive health rights and greater health resilience and social security for children,” said Tayebwa.
He added that through the ambassador’s interventions, Sweden has supported Uganda on matters of political and human rights and law and justice, as well as served as a formidable partner in the education sector.
“This week, 10 students left from Uganda for Sweden on full scholarships from the Government of Sweden, and they have trained many of our professors. If it had not been for Sida Sarek and Norad, I think our university education sector would not have made the progress they have now,” Tayebwa added.
Hon. Isaac Modoi (NRM, Lutseshe County) appreciated Swedish efforts to train Ugandans in best practices on government service.
“I thank Sweden and other Nordic countries for helping us during the time of decentralization. They trained us as administrative officers and taught us about ethical conduct and management of government resources,” said Modoi.
Hon. Betty Naluyima (NUP, Wakiso District Woman Representative) also appreciated Sweden’s training support through its International Center for Local Democracy (ICLD), which she said equipped her with governance knowledge and skills which she has used to train local leaders.
“I benefitted from a programme to capacitate women in politics. Many times even to this day, I am called upon under the ICLD, to train other local leaders in the East African region,” Naluyima said.
The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, also commended the Swedish government’s partnership and contribution to Uganda’s health and education sectors, noting that maternal health indices have improved, with a big reduction in child and neonatal mortality.
“I would also like to appreciate them for giving scholarships to our students from Makerere University. One of the apps that is used in collecting immunisation data for the Ministry of Health, was developed by Karolinska University with great participation from our own students,” Aceng noted.
The State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Cooperatives), Hon. Tom Alero, and Terego District Woman Representative, Hon. Rose Obigah appreciated Sweden’s hospitable nature and openness to opportunities for non-citizens.
“Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland are highly peaceful and social welfare countries. I studied in Sweden between 1991 and 1994, and I later worked in distributing newspapers. One one must run as fast as possible to make more money, that is why I am still a runner up to now,” said Alero.
“The first West Nile Diaspora meeting took place in Sweden, which I personally attended and our group had a meeting with the country’s Prime Minister. We want to thank you for hosting Ugandans in Sweden,” Obigah added.
Ambassador Hakanson’s next tour of duty, after Uganda, will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
