Uganda launches council on Foreign Relations

An independent, leading and non-partisan "Centre of Excellence" for the promotion of foreign relations and policy dialogue and research in the country has been launched.

The Uganda Council on Foreign Relations -- a membership organization which will prioritize research, knowledge development and encourage discussions and publications focused on Uganda foreign policy issues -- was inaugurated at a cocktail at Protea Hotel in Kampala.

Foreign affairs minister and president of the 69th United Nations General Assembly, Sam Kutesa graced the function as well as US ambassador to Uganda Deborah Malac plus other diplomats.

"Uganda has increasingly become a key player on the African continent. By extension, its views on and approaches to complex regional conflicts are valued as a member of regional and international communities" Ambassador Francis Katana the interim chairperson of the council said.

"In addition to its role as an important regional and international partner, Uganda's facing multi-faceted foreign policy choices. The areas of economic and social development and international politics need close scrutiny and objective analysis," read a statement from the council before the inauguration function" he added.