Uganda’s foreign service charts new path to advance national development
In his address, Bagiire emphasised the Ministry’s ongoing transformation, describing the conference as a moment of renewal in both spirit and method.
Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (center) Left is the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe during the conference in Gulu. (Courtesy photos)
By New Vision Journalist
Journalists @New Vision
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the role of diplomacy in advancing national development.
Addressing Uganda’s Heads of Mission gathered in Gulu for Annual Ambassadors’ Conference, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday 03, September, commended Uganda’s envoys for their resilience and dedication in representing the country under increasingly complex global conditions.
In his address, Bagiire emphasised the Ministry’s ongoing transformation, describing the conference as a moment of renewal in both spirit and method.
Bagiire, who acknowledged the Ministry of Finance's additional funding provided to missions abroad, stressed that effective teamwork, strong leadership, and clear delegation are critical if Uganda’s diplomatic service is to translate national priorities into measurable outcomes.
Bagiire, according to a release from the Ministry, also reiterated that diplomacy is no longer defined solely by political representation, but by its ability to deliver concrete benefits, investments mobilised, jobs created, and Uganda’s image strengthened globally.
The one-week conference hosted at Gulu University, which opened on September 1, has attracted 78 ambassadors and different missions abroad, their accounting officers and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Some diplomats have since revealed that the meeting convened under the theme “Strengthening the Foreign Service’s Contribution to National Development”, provides a platform for reviewing the performance of Missions abroad and aligning them with the country’s broader economic and political agenda.
The conference also highlighted the intersection between diplomacy and security.
In another session, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, stressed that future support must be tied to clear and tangible outcomes.
Recalling President Yoweri Museveni's guidance, she urged the envoys to reflect on substantive contributions, embrace accountability, and rise to the expectations of leadership.
Nakyobe also presided over the launch of three key policy instruments: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Strategic Plan IV, the Client Charter, and the Service Delivery Standards.
She described these as essential tools to ensure that Uganda’s diplomacy delivers efficiently, upholds professionalism, and enhances accountability both to government and to citizens.
She placed particular emphasis on consular services, urging ambassadors to remain accessible, responsive, and committed to protecting Ugandan nationals abroad.
Representing Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, the Inspector General Emeritus of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura, delivered reflections on the nexus between the military and diplomacy.
Drawing on personal experience from past regional tensions, he underscored how diplomacy and defence are mutually reinforcing in safeguarding peace and stability.
He emphasised that modern diplomats must appreciate the security environments in which they operate, just as the military must recognise the value of diplomacy in preventing and resolving conflict.
The MOFA release also revealed that discussions throughout the day 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 the transfer of technology and skills. Strategic partnerships in science, innovation, and regional integration were identified as essential to Uganda’s long-term growth.