Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeje Abubakhar Odongo, and Haxthausen Louise, Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa, have signed a Host Country Agreement elevating the UNESCO office in Uganda from a Project Office to an Antenna Office.
The Kampala-based Project Office has been operational since 2010, working alongside the Government of Uganda, civil society, private sector, and development partners within the UN Delivering as One framework. It focuses on enhancing education, fostering peace, eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable development, and encouraging intercultural dialogue through education, sciences, culture, communication, and information.
While the office has achieved significant milestones in strengthening Uganda’s education sector and implementing strategic interventions, its status as a project-based office has presented operational challenges. These include resource constraints and inefficiencies in project implementation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Haxthausen Louise highlighted the benefits of the upgraded Antenna Office status. "The new status opens enhanced collaboration avenues, granting direct access to UNESCO's vast network of experts, resources, and technical support. This will help address resource challenges and implement high-impact projects aligned with UNESCO's priorities," she said.
She added that the establishment of the Seat Agreement in Uganda will bolster the partnership between UNESCO and the Ugandan government, advancing shared objectives in education, sciences, culture, and communication.
Minister Odongo described the event as "pivotal" for Uganda’s relationship with UNESCO. "This Agreement will ensure seamless operations for UNESCO in Uganda, fostering better collaboration with government and other partners in a coherent and synchronized manner," he said.
The transition to an Antenna Office is expected to enhance UNESCO’s ability to address Uganda's development challenges and strengthen its impact across sectors.