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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun its five-day Annual Ambassadors’ Conference at Gulu University, Gulu City, bringing together Heads and Deputy Heads of Mission, senior diplomats, government officials, and sector partners.
The conference, which runs from 1st September to 5th September 2025, is themed "Strengthening the Foreign Service’s Contribution to National Development."
In his welcoming remarks, Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru, Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, expressed pride in hosting the event. He highlighted the significance of the chosen theme, emphasising the University’s contribution to knowledge generation, research, and community engagement.
He also invited Uganda’s Ambassadors to connect Gulu University with global networks in education, innovation, and research partnerships.
Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thanked Gulu University for its hospitality and praised the Heads of Mission for their dedication to advancing Uganda’s diplomatic agenda over the past year.
He emphasised that this year’s discussions would focus on aligning Uganda’s Foreign Service with the Government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, particularly through Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD). He called for full participation in the sessions, noting that the Head of Public Service, who would also attend the conference, would outline expectations for the Missions abroad.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), Oryem Henry Okello, commended the Ambassadors for their resilience in serving in diverse and challenging environments, from fragile states to key global capitals.
He challenged the Heads of Mission to take greater ownership of Uganda’s international representation and ensure that Missions deliver measurable impact in trade, investment, and cooperation.
Catherine Lamwaka, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, reiterated Parliament’s commitment to supporting the Ministry’s mandate, while stressing accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a policy statement, commending the Ministry, Missions, and stakeholders for their contribution to Uganda’s visibility and diplomatic achievements over the past year, including progress in economic diplomacy, regional peace initiatives, and expanded diaspora engagement.
He reiterated the importance of the conference theme, urging Ambassadors to align their Missions with Uganda’s national priorities under NDP IV and the Tenfold Growth Strategy, with a focus on agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral beneficiation, and science and technology innovation (ATMS).
The Ambassadors also received a keynote address on Musevenomics from Gen. (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation and Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, who was the chief guest.
Gen. Akandwanaho emphasised the importance of aligning Uganda’s national interests with foreign policy execution. He highlighted the role of diplomacy in supporting economic transformation, export diversification, and international cooperation.
He encouraged closer collaboration between Missions and the Ministry in developing strategies that respond to global challenges while safeguarding Uganda’s economic and security interests.
Over the next few days, the Ambassadors will discuss a range of issues, peer review their performance, set new benchmarks for the coming financial year, receive updates on Uganda’s performance as Chair of NAM, engage in panel discussions on the Draft Diaspora Policy, and receive briefings on expectations from partner Government MDAs.
The 2025 Annual Ambassadors’ Conference reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that Uganda’s Foreign Service remains a key instrument in promoting peace, advancing economic growth, and protecting national interests in an increasingly complex global environment.
Gen. Saleh stressed the need for coordination, strategic planning, and adaptability as Uganda strengthens its position globally while pursuing inclusive economic transformation at home.
