Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has called upon Ugandan Ambassadors and Heads of Missions abroad to align their diplomatic efforts with the country’s National Development framework, including Vision 2040 and the Third National Development Plan.
Speaking at the Ambassadors’ Conference, which is being held from August 26th to 30th, 2024, in Jinja, Gen. Odongo emphasized that Uganda’s foreign policy must actively support economic growth and regional integration.
The conference, hosted at the Civil Service College in Jinja, has several key objectives, including improving the performance and innovation of Ugandan missions abroad and facilitating knowledge sharing among peers.
To achieve these goals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has implemented several strategies, such as promoting regional and international peace and security, strengthening bilateral relations, and engaging with key stakeholders.
“If Uganda’s Foreign Service meets the objectives of our national priorities and programs, we will have played a crucial role in transforming our country,” stated Gen. Odongo.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the Ministry’s work contributes to Uganda’s national development goals.
Gen. Odongo identified economic and commercial diplomacy as essential components of Uganda’s development strategy.
He urged ambassadors to focus on promoting value addition, industrialization, and trade, stating, “Economic and commercial diplomacy is now at the forefront of our foreign policy. We must use our diplomatic presence to attract investment, technology, and expertise that will drive Uganda’s economic transformation.”
The Minister also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and integration, particularly through the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area, which he described as vital frameworks for boosting trade within and across Africa.
“These are strategic pillars for Uganda’s national development,” Gen. Odongo emphasized. “Regionally, the East African Community remains our primary entity, while the African Continental Free Trade Area offers a framework for continent-wide trade cooperation.”
He also addressed regional peace and security challenges, including ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, and political tensions in South Sudan.
Gen. Odongo underscored Uganda’s responsibility to lead efforts in promoting stability in the region, leveraging its experience to foster peace and cooperation.
“The situation in Somalia remains fragile, with Al-Shabab not fully defeated,” the Minister noted.
“We must closely monitor the ATMIS drawdown and ensure that post-ATMIS transition plans preserve the gains we’ve made, as a country that has made significant sacrifices for our brothers and sisters.”
Regarding human rights and governance, Minister Abubakhar stressed the need for continuous engagement and dialogue to address concerns and misunderstandings.
“We need ongoing communication to better understand and resolve issues that cause discomfort to our partners,” he said, underlining the importance of open dialogue in strengthening international partnerships.
Permanent Secretary Bagiire Vincent Waiswa also emphasized the need for effective approaches to promote economic and commercial diplomacy, particularly in areas like agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral development, and science and technology.
Waiswa highlighted the importance of mobilizing Ugandans in the diaspora for national development and upholding international law and commitments.
“We must work together to attract investors, remove non-tariff barriers, and strengthen trade relations,” he said.
He also noted the Ministry’s efforts in securing grants for national development, including a $5.3 million grant from the Chinese government for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Extension building project.
Waiswa praised some Heads of Mission for their commitment to effective service delivery but expressed concern over those who have not followed official guidance, leading to challenges.
“Mission leadership rests with the Head of Mission, but success is impossible without respecting and collaborating with team members,” he remarked, urging Heads of Mission to familiarize themselves with the Public Finance Management Act (2015) to better guide Accounting Officers.
The conference will also evaluate mission performance and innovation, with awards to be given to the top performers.
