H.E the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni invites all delegates to attend the 126^th IPU Assembly in Kampala, Uganda (31st March - 5th April 2012):

‘Visitors to Uganda are accorded an exceptional level of warmth by our people. Uganda is privileged and honored to have been chosen to host the 126^th IPU Conference. This is clear manifestation that the international contribution Uganda has made towards parliamentary democracy and development is recognized and valued.

‘Your Excellency, the President of the Inter- Parliamentary Union, the Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, members of the Executive Committee and honorable members, ladies and gentlemen.

Very few countries have experienced the depth of debt prevention, the darkness of mixed political history and the challenge of recovery that Uganda has faced over the last fifty years.

Yet out of this abyss a nation has arisen, Uganda filled with vast opportunity, sound in its policies, a nation rich in nature endowment and cultural heritage. Few places on the earth have equally been so gifted by nature with all year round pleasant weather, moderate climate and beautiful scenery.

Visitors to Uganda are accorded an exceptional level of warmth by our people. Uganda is privileged and honored to have been chosen to host the 126^th IPU Conference. This is clear manifestation that the international contribution Uganda has made towards parliamentary democracy and development is recognized and valued.

This will even be more special because the Pearl of Africa, which is Uganda, shall be celebrating 50 years of independence from Britain next year; that is the year when the IPU will be having their meeting here. Former British Prime Minister Wilson Churchill was awed by the splendid beauty of Uganda described it as, ‘the Pearl of Africa.’

The Pearl of Africa now becons you to come and experience its beauty. Therefore, on behalf of the people of Uganda and the government, it is my privilege to invite you to experience the beauty of Uganda during the course of the meetings of the 126th IPU Assembly. You are welcome to Uganda.

For God and my country.’