[allAfrica.com] [Contribute_for_the_People_of_Niger] US Ambassador-Designate to Uganda Sees Progress in War Recovery United States Department of State (Washington, DC) DOCUMENT January 27, 2006 Posted to the web January 30, 2006 Washington, DC Steven A. Browning, in his appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee January 25 on his nomination as ambassador to Uganda, praised that country for making incremental strides in its economic recovery from decades of civil war. Browning, a former U.S. ambassador to Malawi, also credited Uganda with improving the standard of living for its population and praised its approach to combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. But Uganda still "faces significant challenges where it should make greater efforts," he said -- in resolving the conflict with the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), in advancing good governance by allowing opposition groups to participate fully in the electoral process and in fighting corruption. He also said Uganda is on its way to qualifying for Millennium Challenge Account accreditation, which will further enhance its economic posture on the continent. In addition to his service as ambassador to Malawi, Browning, in his 25-year career, previously served in Kenya and as deputy chief of mission and chargé d'affaires in Tanzania. In addition, he was executive director of the Department of State's Africa Bureau and more recently was the first management counselor for the newly opened U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. Following is the text of Browning's remarks, as prepared for delivery: Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee: I am honored to appear before you today. I wish to express my gratitude to the President and to the Secretary of State for the trust and confidence they have placed in me as their nominee for ambassador to the Republic of Uganda. Mr. Chairman, since late 1980 Uganda has made a remarkable recovery from its history of civil war and economic catastrophe toward relative peace and stability. Prosperity is returning to much of the country. Ugandans continue to confront HIV/AIDS with enormous success. Next month Ugandans will choose a president and a parliament in the country's first multi-party elections in more than 20 years. Uganda enjoys a free press, religious freedom and a vibrant civil society. As a close partner in the War on Terrorism, Uganda has a strong regional voice in opposition to international terrorism and has been supportive of U.S. counter terrorism initiatives. Even so, the country faces significant challenges where it should make greater efforts. First, the conflict in the North against the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has seen over 1.5 million people driven from their homes and over 25,000 children kidnapped over the past decade. The LRA continues to find a haven in southern Sudan, and in late 2005 several LRA units crossed into the Democratic Republic of Congo. The recent LRA incursions into neighboring countries undermine efforts to achieve regional stability. Second, significant health issues continue to challenge the country. Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. An estimated 70,000-100,000 Ugandans suffer from repeated bouts of or die annually from malaria. Uganda has been chosen as a focus country under the President's Malaria Initiative, which was announced in June 2005. I look forward to supporting the implementation and expansion of this program, with the goal of reducing malaria-related deaths within 3 years. Uganda's admirable efforts to turn back the HIV infection rate -- now down to about 7% from 25% -- are well known, but a resurgence could occur without a renewed focus on prevention. Third, the process of democratization in Uganda is far short of where it should be. It is a major priority to work with the government and people of Uganda to advance good governance, particularly transparency and accountability. In February 2006, Uganda will hold national elections in which President Museveni is running for a third term. Recent political developments, particularly the arrest of opposition figure Kizza Besigye, raised questions about the government's commitment to democratic principles. This is a critical time for Uganda and we must push for an open, transparent, and peaceful campaign and election. We must press for good governance, respect for human rights, and principles of transparency and accountability -- and we will, Mr. Chairman. Finally, despite the country's impressive achievements, much work remains to ensure economic prosperity is shared by all Ugandan citizens. Uganda has been a leader in identifying and promoting trade and investment opportunities for U.S. businesses and has been a strong supporter of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). It is important to our interests that Uganda develop a strong and vibrant economy. I will work to continue this progress and build on the excellent business cooperation between our two countries. Uganda is eligible for support under the threshold program of the Millennium Challenge Account and is in the process of preparing a proposal that will address the issue of corruption, which remains a serious problem. Controlling corruption is crucial to Uganda's efforts to attract higher levels of private sector investment, increase trade, and provide services to its population, all of which are necessary to achieve broad-based economic growth and prosperity. Mr. Chairman, I believe my 25 years in the Foreign Service have prepared me well for the challenging position of and responsibilities required for being U.S. Ambassador to Uganda. My previous service in Africa includes postings in Kenya; in Tanzania, where I served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d'Affaires; and, Malawi, where I served as Ambassador. In addition, because of my previous experiences as Executive Director of the Department of State's Africa Bureau, and more recently as the first Management Counselor for the newly opened embassy in Baghdad, I am confident that I will bring considerable management experience to the job. Mr. Chairman, if confirmed as ambassador, my goals would include protecting the lives, interests and welfare of Americans living and traveling in Uganda. In addition, I want to maintain U.S. leadership and cooperation with others in the battles against malaria and HIV/AIDS. I want to assist Uganda in ending the conflict and resulting humanitarian catastrophe in the northern part of the country. I will also encourage the Ugandan leadership to foster stability throughout the region, support good governance and accountability, and will not shy away from confronting our differences. Trade and investment opportunities for U.S. businesses are also important, and I plan to identify and promote those with good prospects for success. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, if confirmed, I look forward to serving as our next Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda. I would be pleased to respond to any questions you might have.   =============================================================================   Copyright © 2006 United States Department of State. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). =============================================================================