US names ‘military’ envoys to Kampala, Dar

The ambassadorial nominee said Uganda today has “a vibrant and open civil society,” but later in his statement promised to “promote good governance and democracy.”

“The full promise of an inclusive, transparent democracy is still a work in progress,” he added.

Mr Lenhardt was effusive in his praise for President Jakaya Kikwete who “governs a culturally and religiously diverse nation at peace with itself and its neighbours.”

Relations between the US and Tanzania are “stronger than ever,” Mr Lenhardt observed, referring later in his remarks to a $698 million US development grant for Tanzania, the largest approved to date by the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

He likewise mentioned substantial US funding for Aids relief and malaria control.