Uganda foreign affairs ministry honours women in diplomacy

KAMPALA - To honour contributions of women in diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday (March 30) organised a luncheon marking the culmination of International Women's Day and Women's Month celebrations.

The event, themed "Give to Gain," was held o at the Ministry headquarters in Kampala and brought together serving and retired female diplomats, partners, and dignitaries to reflect on women's leadership, diplomacy, and societal transformation.

The host, Henry Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), described the women as central to the  Ministry's pivotal role in Uganda's global engagement.

"Women in foreign service are advancing Uganda’s interests across trade, diplomacy, and global partnerships with distinction,” he remarked.

Minister Henry Okello Oryem

A media release from MoFA states that to address challenges faced by women in foreign service, Oryem stressed the need for deliberate attention to their professional growth and personal well-being.

The keynote address, delivered by Pastor Jessica Kayanja, underscored the significance of resilience, emotional intelligence, and intentional living, emphasising that a woman's strength is rooted in her capacity to foster harmony, exercise wise leadership, and maintain a sense of purpose.

She encouraged female Foreign Service Officers to proactively nurture their marital relationships, notwithstanding the challenges posed by prolonged deployments abroad and geographical separation from their spouses and children.

Ambassador Rosemary Semafumu Mukasa

Drawing from her personal experience as a spouse of a frequently travelling husband, she noted that open and candid communication with one's partner is essential in establishing a mutually agreeable approach to maintaining a thriving relationship despite physical distance.

“Empowerment is built through resilience, intentional growth, and the courage to lead with purpose,” she added. Pastor Jessica Kayanja's remarks highlighted the importance of collaborative partnership and adaptability in navigating the complexities of diplomatic life.

Retired Ambassador Rosemary Semafumu Mukasa reflected on the realities of diplomatic life, noting that career and family are parallel journeys requiring alignment, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vicent Bagiire addressing the women diplomats.

Urging women to balance ambition with adaptability, acknowledging the sacrifices and resilience required in foreign service, she added: "Diplomacy is sustained by human experience, families, sacrifice, and resilience behind service.”

The event was attended by retired Foreign Service Officers: Ambassadors Alexis Kyeyune, Juliet Kalema, Hellen Khainza, Rosette Nyirikindi, Bernadette Olowo and Norah Katabarwa, among others.

They also paid tribute to the late Ambassador Santa Laker Kinyera and other departed female colleagues, acknowledging their invaluable service to Uganda's diplomatic corps.