Mr. Per Olsson Fridh was recently announced as Sweden's new Minister for International Development Cooperation. He previously served as the State Secretary to the Minister of International Development Cooperation from 2019 up to February 2021. We caught up with him recently to discuss his plans as a Minister and his visit to Uganda just before the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. Here is what he had to share.
Congratulations on your appointment! How does it feel?
Thank you! It feels great. I am humbled and honoured to have been given such an important role in this government.
What was your first major decision as a minister?
The very first thing I did was to call Dr. Tedros at WHO and Dr. Berkley who is in charge of COVAX to ensure them of Sweden's strong support in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and ask how I can be of service. Shortly after, I announced that Sweden will double our funding to COVAX so that they have better resources to buy and deliver vaccines, especially to developing countries. No one is safe until everyone is safe and we have to combat this virus together.
You made your first visit to Uganda as a deputy minister just before the COVID-19 crisis hit, and many countries closed their borders. What are your most vivid memories?
The wonderful people I met! Uganda has a large young population eager to make their mark on the country's history. To meet them and discuss their vision for a future Uganda was a great experience that I bring with me. And it was with sadness and concern I saw how the election unfolded. The young Ugandan generation deserves a fair election where their hopes and ideas for the future are properly heard.
During my last visit, the Ugandan Government and people also displayed an impressive generosity towards the refugee population. During my visit to the North-West I was truly moved by seeing how the local communities had come together in solidarity towards people in need of shelter and protection. We have a lot to learn from this mindset, and I am proud that Sweden can help in their efforts.
When will we see you in Uganda again?
Right now, the pandemic is making travel very difficult, unfortunately. But I hope to be back as soon as possible. In the meantime I will follow the Uganda closely, especially the democratic space for civil society, the Supreme Court decision regarding the presidential election petition, and the investigation into the violent incidents in connection with the elections. We will also maintain dialogue with our Ugandan partners through the Swedish Embassy. The spirit of the Ugandan youth holds great promise for the country's future and I am eager to see the strides they will make in the coming years.
