By Dean Lubowa Saava
Deep State Political desk
GULU, Uganda – President Museveni’s brother, retired General Caleb Akandwanaho, also known as Salim Saleh, has urged Uganda’s ambassadors to synchronize foreign policy with the country’s economic transformation agenda. He warned that missions abroad must deliver concrete results for farmers and exporters.
Speaking at the opening of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ five-day Annual Ambassadors’ Conference at Gulu University, Saleh emphasized that Uganda’s diplomats must act as frontline agents for national development rather than simply political envoys. “Our diplomats must synchronize with Uganda’s national interests,” he said. “This requires deeper coordination, strategic planning, and alignment between the Foreign Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
Saleh, who also serves as Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, stressed that effective diplomacy could help farmers access new markets, promote agro-industrialization, and attract investment into value-addition industries. “The challenge remains in scaling up agricultural exports,” he said. “We must develop strategies that unlock the full potential of our farmers.”
The conference, themed “Strengthening the Foreign Service’s Contribution to National Development,” will review the performance of Uganda’s missions abroad, debate a draft diaspora policy, and set benchmarks for the coming year. Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo praised Uganda’s envoys for their role in regional peace initiatives and economic diplomacy.
The government aims to align the Foreign Service with Museveni’s “Tenfold Growth Strategy” and the fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), focusing on agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral beneficiation, and science and technology. Gulu University Vice Chancellor Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru welcomed the conference, urging ambassadors to link the university with international networks in education, research, and innovation.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vincent Bagiire thanked heads of mission for advancing Uganda’s interests and said this year’s discussions would focus on aligning diplomacy with the government’s “Tenfold Growth Strategy.” State Minister for International Affairs Henry Okello Oryem commended ambassadors for serving under difficult conditions and urged them to ensure missions deliver measurable results in trade, investment, and cooperation.
Catherine Lamwaka, chairperson of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, pledged continued legislative support but stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Odongo urged missions to align their work with national priorities in agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral beneficiation, and science and technology innovation.
