Gulu City – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomacy as a driver of national development, with the third day of the Annual Ambassadors’ Conference at Gulu University highlighting reforms, accountability, and closer collaboration between diplomacy and defence.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Inspector General Emeritus, Rtd Gen Kale Kayihura called for closer collaboration between Uganda’s diplomatic corps and the defence establishment, stressing that peace and stability depend on both forces working hand in hand.
With humility, Kayihura admitted that diplomacy was “a new terrain” for him but expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its support in bridging the gap between military strategy and diplomatic engagement.
“War and diplomacy are intertwined – together they safeguard Uganda,” Kayihura said, recalling a past conflict with Rwanda where diplomacy succeeded where arms could not.
In 2022, then a Lieutenant General, Muhoozi Kainerugaba used soft power diplomacy by personally engaging President Paul Kagame through private, informal visits to Kigali, building trust and goodwill without formal delegations, which helped end arbitrary arrests of Rwandans in Uganda and eased longstanding bilateral tensions.
His approach culminated in Kagame attending Muhoozi’s private 48th birthday celebration in Kampala, signalling a significant restoration of Uganda-Rwanda relations, reopening borders, and enabling freer movement of people.
According to Kayihura, modern conflicts and regional tensions demand a dual approach where envoys understand the security dynamics shaping their missions while the military appreciates diplomacy’s power to prevent and resolve crises.
Passing on apologies from the CDF, Kayihura used a discussion-style approach, inviting ambassadors to “engage, learn, and even correct” him as he deepens his involvement in foreign policy matters. “Peace and stability can only be secured through close collaboration between envoys and defence forces,” he emphasised.
In his address, Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised Uganda’s envoys for their dedication despite increasingly complex global conditions. He described the conference as “a moment of renewal in both spirit and method,” noting recent additional funding for Missions from the Ministry of Finance.
“Effective teamwork, strong leadership, and clear delegation are critical if Uganda’s diplomatic service is to translate national priorities into measurable outcomes,” Bagiire emphasised.
Bagiire reiterated that modern diplomacy must deliver measurable impact: “Diplomacy today is defined not only by political representation but by investments mobilised, jobs created, and Uganda’s image strengthened globally.”
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ms Lucy Nakyobe, echoed this call for results. While welcoming the Permanent Secretary’s proposals to enhance resourcing for Missions, she stressed that future support must be tied to “clear and tangible outcomes.”
Recalling guidance from H.E. the President, Ms Nakyobe urged envoys to reflect on their contributions, embrace accountability, and rise to leadership expectations. Her remarks, delivered with characteristic humour, nonetheless carried a serious message of urgency for improved performance and visible impact.
Presiding over the launch of three key policy instruments—the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Strategic Plan IV, the Client Charter, and the Service Delivery Standards—Ms Nakyobe described them as “essential tools to ensure that Uganda’s diplomacy delivers efficiently, upholds professionalism, and enhances accountability.” She placed particular emphasis on consular services, urging ambassadors to remain “accessible, responsive, and committed to protecting Ugandan nationals abroad.”
Throughout the day, discussions reaffirmed economic diplomacy as a cornerstone of Uganda’s foreign policy. Envoys were reminded of their responsibility to attract foreign investment, open new markets for Ugandan exports, and facilitate technology and skills transfer. Strategic partnerships in science, innovation, and regional integration were identified as essential for Uganda’s long-term growth.
