U.S. Embassy Kampala | April 14, 2021
(as prepared for delivery Serena Hotel, Kampala)
● Representatives of Civil Society from across Uganda;
● Representatives from the East-West Management Institute;
● Friends,
Good morning.
On behalf of the United States government, I am delighted to launch USAID’s Civil Society Strengthening Activity in Uganda.
Globally, the United States government and USAID in particular has a rich and proud history of supporting civil society. President Biden has emphasized this, making it clear that advancing human rights and democratic values, fighting corruption, and stemming the tide of democratic backsliding are top priorities for the United States.
Successful democratic states recognize the need for civil society and its role in contributing to inclusive and sustainable development. They also recognize that civil society is not opposed to the state, but instead fills critical gaps between the government and private citiz