Why EU ambassadors saw Gen. Salim Saleh as strategic diplomat

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OPINION

By Pheobeh Namulindwa

I recently graduated with an Advanced Certificate in Foreign Policy Analysis from the Lincoln Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations, in partnership with the University of Delaware, USA—an opportunity made possible by a generous scholarship from the US Embassy Kampala.

This academic pursuit was designed to complement my over nine years of public service as the President’s representative in the districts of Luweero and now Kassanda, where I have coordinated security and development programs, as well as led government responses to public health crises, including COVID-19, Ebola and Mpox.

Through this dual lens of field experience and foreign policy training, I have come to appreciate the complex interplay between formal diplomacy and informal influence in statecraft—something few embody as effectively as Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho Salim Saleh Rtd.

So when the European Union (EU) Ambassadors travelled to Gulu City on May 21 to meet Gen. Saleh, it came as no surprise to seasoned observers. What might have appeared to be a routine development engagement was, in reality, a strong signal of Gen. Saleh’s enduring influence—not merely as the President’s brother, but as one of Uganda’s most trusted and effective behind-the-scenes diplomats.

The meeting came at a delicate time. Just days earlier, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba made headlines with a tweet towards foreign envoys—which sparked widespread media commentary following a meeting between EU ambassadors and opposition leader Bobi Wine.

However, rather than escalating tensions, the EU envoys demonstrated a mature understanding of Uganda’s political dynamics. Their visit to Gulu and meeting with Gen. Saleh served not as a provocation, but as a strategic opportunity for dialogue. Gen. Muhoozi, a rising leader in his own right, has since expressed a desire for constructive engagement with Uganda’s international partners—a tone mirrored in the broader government approach. In this context, Gen. Saleh’s involvement provided a stabilising presence and an opportunity to restore confidence and cooperation.

Though he holds no formal diplomatic post, Gen. Saleh has long played the role of an unofficial envoy. His credibility stems from decades of service—from the 1986 liberation struggle to his pivotal leadership in post-war Northern Uganda through Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). Based in Gulu, he has become deeply embedded in the Acholi sub-region’s recovery, championing peacebuilding, agricultural transformation, and youth economic empowerment.

This unique positioning gives him unmatched legitimacy—someone who understands both the heart of rural Uganda and the language of international development. During the meeting with the EU delegation, he addressed complex issues ranging from youth unemployment and trade to transitional justice, land rights, and the impact of EU environmental regulations on Uganda’s coffee exports.

In a particularly heartfelt moment, Gen. Saleh said: “I have not stolen from this country. I don’t have a foreign account. If it is there, block it. Ceasefire, and let’s work together.” It was a statesman’s plea—not defensive, but disarming, grounded in patriotism and a desire for progress.

What makes Gen. Saleh a master of quiet diplomacy is his ability to build consensus where others might provoke confrontation. He doesn’t grandstand. He listens. He convenes. He de-escalates. And that is precisely what diplomacy demands today—especially in a region still healing from conflict and grappling with underdevelopment.

The EU delegation later acknowledged his role, noting on social media that his “experience and longstanding involvement in Northern Uganda provided important perspectives as the region continues its journey from post-conflict recovery to long-term development.”

In a world where diplomacy is increasingly complex and personalities often polarising, Gen. Salim Saleh stands out as a bridge-builder. And in this latest episode, he not only reaffirmed his position as a key architect of Uganda’s transformation but also reminded the international community that true diplomacy is not always conducted at podiums—it often happens quietly, with wisdom, humility, and the trust of those who matter most.

The writer is a Public Administration Expert and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kassanda District, Office of the President.