Hungary bestows Order of Merit award on Prof Wavamunno 

Businessman and honorary consul of Hungry Prof Gordon Wavamunno was last week bestowed upon the Order of Merit award from the government of Hungary for fostering the bilateral relationship between the two companies.

For 26 years, Wavamunno has served as the honorary consul of Hungary. The award was presented by Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian Foreign Affairs minister, at Kampala Serena hotel. Szijjarto said Hungary and Uganda are two friends who can count on each other under the currently challenging social situations.

“Both countries are sensitive to their sovereignty, security and identity. In Europe currently, some of the major challenges we are facing are identity and national specificities, migration and terrorism,” he said.

He added that security in Europe starts with security in Africa.

“Under the European Union, we have always worked to promote peace and security in Africa. Africa needs support programs like development advancements and job creation. Due to the high influx of refugees and Uganda’s role in peace and security, Hungary carried out more significant economic assistance towards the healthcare system and cyber security of the financial sector worth $17 million,” he said.

“That’s why we have convened to celebrate Prof Wavamunno. He has been working to improve bilateral relationships since 1997. We could not refer to the Hungarian-Uganda relationship as a true success story without him. You have helped us to establish a personal representation of Hungary in Uganda.”

On his part, Wavamunno said it was a big surprise to be honoured.

“I didn’t know that I would reach this day and get such an award from the Hungarian government. I have been working with one heart. I have made several trips to Hungary and I have always enjoyed the place and the city itself. It is a great honor to receive such an award,” he said.

“My family has supported me to be what I am. When I was initially nominated to become honorary consul for Hungary in Uganda, I suggested a white man be named but they declined. I am happy that I have supported both countries.”

Tom Butime, the minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, praised Prof Wavamunno for deserving the honor bestowed on him.

“This order of merit is significant. Dr Wavamunno has done tremendous work to promote both counties,” he said.