By Dennis Katungi
On a glistening, lustrous sunny gleam of a Tuesday morning in the plush upscale Kampala suburb of Kololo, Uganda, East Africa and the world witnessed a historic moment. The day was 12th May 2026. President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for the record 7th elective presidential term, extending his leadership to 2031. Several African presidents attended the glittering ceremony full of parades, airshow and pageantry at the historic Independence grounds. President Donald Trump’s envoy Nicholas Checker carried a congratulatory message to President Museveni from the White House and together with the US Ambassador, William Popp, ensconced in the front row of the VVIP tent at the colourful inauguration.
Nicholas Checker, the Assistant Secretary of State and head of the Bureau of African Affairs attended on behalf of U.S. president Donald Trump. At the United States Department of State, Mr Checker is the man who guides the U.S. diplomatic establishment in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa and advises the Secretary of State as well as the President of the United States. This was a meaningful gesture to President Museveni by the American administration.
I spoke to the Assistant Secretary of State on the sidelines of the Kololo event, when our U.S. Ambassador - Robie Kakonge introduced me to the envoy. He was in the company of the outgoing American Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp. I asked him why the unique gesture of his presence at Kololo which was the first time ever. He highlighted the growing role that U.S. economic interests and national security play in shaping U.S. development policy. The United States is resetting its relationship with Africa based on mutually beneficial partnerships. “We are making a clear shift from aid to trade, from assistance to investment, and from dependency to partnership. Uganda is a key partner in this energised relationship”. The US is exploring how best to navigate and advance this new era of cooperation, paying close attention to the shifts in global leadership, new models and partnerships.
As this was a brief conversation, Uganda’s envoy to the U.S. Ambassador Robie Kakonge filled in the gaps on the new impetus with bilateral initiatives between the two countries. I posed the same question to her. “It signals a renewed and strengthened chapter in Uganda – U.S. bilateral relations, characterised by more constructive engagement and cooperation” Additionally, she added: “U.S. ambassador William Popp, who spearheaded trade investment initiatives on behalf of U.S. during his tenure re-affirms this commitment towards a positive turning point in relations of our two countries” She asserted that “the current U.S. posture toward Uganda following the January elections as well as what may be viewed as critical elements in the strengthening of our bilateral are on a positive trajectory”.
Amb. Kakonge shared on recent engagements during the World Bank and IMF Spring summits where joint meetings were held at the White House with U.S. State Department officials as well as a team from Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs which focused on priorities such as trade and investment between Uganda and U.S. At the Uganda Embassy in Washington, Amb. Kakonge says her team is primed on promoting economic and commercial diplomacy majorly in four key areas: agro-industrialisation, tourism, oil, gas and minerals as well as science, technology, innovation & ICT. She added that there was an added impetus on Sports diplomacy given that the U.S.A. will host the Olympics in 2028.
I sought her views on the recently passed controversial Protection of Sovereignty ACT 2026. She asserted that “on matters of sovereignty, national interest must prevail. We have a diverse and dynamic Diaspora which we will continue to engage on this and other matters. I do not see any cause for alarm since the bill was refined to take care of the grey areas pin pointed during the legislative process”
U.S. Ambassador William Popp who is set to end his tour of duty later this month had a remarkable stint, in which he oversaw a range of initiatives focusing on public health, economic development and governance. He supported the rollout of programs under the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief [PEPFAR], a cornerstone of Uganda’s HIV/AIDS response. He also promoted trade and investment ties between Uganda and the U.S, engaging government and private sector players to advance business partnerships, economic growth and job creation. His tenure saw continued support for youth-focused programs, particularly in entrepreneurship and digital skills.
We concluded the interview with Amb. Robie Kakonge expressing her profound gratitude to president Museveni for the opportunity to represent Uganda in the United States and other countries of accreditation. Uganda’s ambassadors to U.S.A. cover a substantial parch which includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Trinidad & Tobago. No wonder they carry the glamorous title: Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uganda to the United States of America.
The writer is Dennis Katungi, Head of Communications & Media Relations – Uganda Media Centre.
@Dennis_Katungi
