By: Boy Fidel Leon
The era of siloed diplomacy is over. Uganda is now architecting its future on the world stage through collective action.
This new doctrine is the driving force behind the 2025 Annual Ambassadors’ Conference, currently underway at Gulu University. The summit is more than a meeting; it is a strategic realignment of the nation’s entire diplomatic and commercial power.
By uniting its Heads of Mission with key domestic partners, Uganda is building a foreign service designed not just for representation, but for actively driving national development and securing the country’s long-term prosperity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is using the platform to sharpen the focus of Uganda’s Foreign Service, aligning it more closely with national priorities such as the Tenfold Growth Strategy and the forthcoming National Development Plan (NDP IV).
In his welcoming remarks, Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru, Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, expressed pride in hosting the Conference. He noted the symbolic significance of holding a national diplomatic event in northern Uganda, while highlighting Gulu University’s contributions to research, innovation, and community engagement.
“We invite our ambassadors to connect Gulu University with global networks in education, innovation, and research partnerships,” Prof. Openjuru said.
Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thanked Gulu University for its hospitality and praised Uganda’s Ambassadors for their dedication in advancing the country’s diplomatic agenda.
He emphasised that this year’s deliberations would prioritise Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) as a lever for achieving the Tenfold Growth Strategy.
This year’s discussions will focus on aligning Uganda’s Foreign Service with the Government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy. We call for full participation throughout the sessions,” Waiswa urged, adding that the Head of Public Service would outline clear expectations for Uganda’s Missions abroad.
Hon. Oryem Henry Okello, State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), commended the resilience of Ambassadors serving in vastly different contexts, from fragile states to strategic capitals.
“Heads of Mission must take greater ownership of Uganda’s international representation and ensure that Missions deliver measurable impact on trade, investment, and cooperation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hon. Catherine Lamwaka, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, pledged Parliament’s continued support but also emphasised oversight.
“Parliament is committed to supporting the Ministry’s mandate, while ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public resources,” she remarked.
Delivering a policy statement, Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, praised the Ministry and Missions for their contributions over the past year, including progress in economic diplomacy, peace initiatives, and diaspora engagement.
He urged Ambassadors to anchor their work in Uganda’s strategic priorities.
“Ambassadors must align their Missions with national priorities under NDP IV and the Tenfold Growth Strategy, particularly in agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral beneficiation, and science and technology innovation,” he said.
The chief guest, Gen. (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation and Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, delivered the keynote on Musevenomics. He stressed the link between diplomacy and Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.
Foreign policy execution must be synchronised with Uganda’s national interests. Diplomacy should drive economic transformation, export diversification, and international cooperation,” he said.
Gen. Saleh further called for stronger collaboration between Missions and the Ministry, particularly in developing adaptive strategies to address global complexities while safeguarding Uganda’s economic and security interests.
Over the week, Ambassadors will review their performance, set new benchmarks, and engage in panel discussions on issues such as the Draft Diaspora Policy. They will also receive updates on Uganda’s role as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and hold consultations with other Government MDAs on expectations for Missions abroad.
The 2025 Annual Ambassadors’ Conference thus reaffirms the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to making Uganda’s Foreign Service a strategic driver of peace, economic growth, and national interest.
As Gen. Saleh concluded, Uganda must sharpen its coordination, strategic planning, and adaptability if it is to strengthen its global standing while driving inclusive transformation at home.