The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Bujumbura officially commissioned its Official Chancery this Monday morning. The Special Envoy of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda officiated at the ceremony. Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda opened his statements by asking the audience to observe a minute of silence in honor Uganda's fallen Speaker of Parliament, Late Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah who passed away on 20th March 2022. He expressed gratitude for the message of condolence from the people of Burundi through His Excellency President Evariste Ndayishimiye. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda extended appreciation for the Government of Burundi for the warm hospitality, and conveyed greetings from His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of the Republic of Uganda. He noted with concern the rising costs of renting premises in various capitals, which informed the policy of acquiring properties abroad, and quickly went on to hail the excellent cordial bilateral relations between Uganda and Burundi, which are historic in nature founded on shared principles since pre-independence. The Special Envoy said the magnificent Chancery makes a bold statement that "Uganda is here to stay and that Burundi is on the rise, peaceful and a reliable partner in the region." The Government of Uganda deliberately decided to award the contracts for construction and consultancy to Burundian companies to build local capacity. Dr. Rugunda urged the Uganda Embassy staff to fully utilize this building through promoting trade and business between Uganda and Burundi. He also welcomed the upcoming 3rd session of the Uganda-Burundi Joint Permanent Commission and encouraged the two sides to agree on a framework that can improve trade relations. The Special Envoy noted with concern that trade volumes have remained low between the two countries with Uganda "exporting goods worth US$64.99million and importing goods worth US$25.46milion from Burundi." He highlighted the planned increase of frequency of trips for Uganda Airlines from four times a week to six, as a clear demonstration of Uganda's commitment to reduce trade barriers and stimulate business growth between the two countries. He concluded by expressing joy that the Uganda-Burundi Business Forum will be conducted on Wednesday, 21st March 2022.