Uganda’s Diplomats Converge at Gulu University for Annual Ambassadors’ Conference

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opened its five Day annual ambassadors’ conference at Gulu University, bringing together heads of mission, government officials, and key stakeholders to strengthen Uganda’s global ties.
The conference runs from 1 to 5 September 2025 under the theme “Strengthening the Foreign Service’s Contribution to National Development.”
In his welcoming remarks, Gulu University Vice Chancellor Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru expressed pride in hosting the event and underscored the importance of the chosen theme.
He highlighted the university’s contribution to knowledge generation, research, and community engagement, while inviting Uganda’s Ambassadors to link Gulu University to global networks in education, innovation, and research.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, thanked the university for its hospitality and commended the Heads of Mission for advancing Uganda’s diplomatic agenda.
He emphasized aligning Uganda’s Foreign Service with the government’s tenfold growth strategy, with a particular focus on Economic and Commercial Diplomacy.
Bagiire also noted that the Head of Public Service would share expectations for missions abroad during the conference.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs , Oryem Henry Okello, praised Ambassadors for their resilience in serving in both fragile states and strategic global capitals.
He urged heads of mission to take greater ownership of Uganda’s international representation and ensure that missions deliver measurable results in trade, investment, and cooperation.
Catherine Lamwaka, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Parliament’s support for the ministry’s mandate, stressing the importance of accountability and transparency in resource management.
Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Jeje Odongo delivered a policy statement commending the ministry, missions, and stakeholders for advancing Uganda’s diplomatic achievements, including economic diplomacy, regional peace initiatives, and diaspora engagement.
He called on ambassadors to align their work with national priorities under NDP IV and the tenfold growth strategy, focusing on agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral beneficiation, and science and technology innovation.
The keynote address was delivered by Gen  Salim Saleh, the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation and Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security who  stressed the importance of synchronizing national interests with foreign policy execution and emphasized the role of diplomacy in driving economic transformation, export diversification, and international cooperation.
Over the coming days, ambassadors will review their performance, set benchmarks for the next financial year, receive updates on Uganda’s role as Chair of NAM, discuss the Draft Diaspora Policy, and hold engagements with partner government agencies.
The 2025 Annual Ambassadors’ Conference reaffirms the ministry’s commitment to ensuring Uganda’s Foreign Service remains a central instrument in promoting peace, advancing economic growth, and safeguarding national interests in a rapidly evolving global environment.