The Ministry of Foreign Affairs this afternoon held a special retirement ceremony at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel to honour ambassadors and senior officials whose decades of service have strengthened Uganda’s diplomatic presence worldwide.
The event was a blend of reflection, gratitude, and recognition of contributions that have shaped the nation’s foreign service.
In his keynote address, Permanent Secretary Mr Vincent Bagiire praised the retirees for their “disciplined service in one of the most complex portfolios of government,” highlighting their work in consular protection, conflict resolution, investment promotion, tourism development, and delicate international negotiations.
“We gather not merely to mark the passage of time,” Mr Bagiire said. “But to recognize the substance of duty quietly rendered, consistently delivered, and nationally transformative.”
He singled out Amb. Paul Mukumbya, Amb Elly Kamahungye, and Ms Juliet Namiiro Mugerwa for their “distinguished contribution to Uganda’s Foreign Service and to the dignity of our flag abroad.”
The Permanent Secretary highlighted Ambassador Kamahungye’s unwavering pursuit of objectives and exemplary representation, while recalling Ambassador Mukumbya’s tenure in Mombasa as a “strategic chapter that leveraged port access, partnerships, and regional goodwill to elevate Uganda’s tourism footprint.”
Mr Bagiire also emphasised the critical role of administrative stewardship, noting that accurate record-keeping and timely accountability are “as vital to diplomacy as negotiation itself.”
Ambassador Elly Kamahungye thanked the Ministry for the support and teamwork he received throughout his service, noting that the codification of Economic and Commercial Diplomacy in the ECD Strategy Handbook was a “moment of affirmation for years of determined effort.”
Ambassador Paul Mukumbya described the ceremony as a meaningful departure from tradition, saying, “For many years, officers would quietly melt away at retirement. Today’s gesture affirms that service is remembered.”
Reflecting on his 31-year career, he emphasized the importance of cohesive mission teams and credited collaborative partnerships, including with the private sector, for advancing Uganda’s tourism diplomacy.
Other retirees echoed themes of resilience, fairness, and gratitude for the support of families, colleagues, and partners such as the Uganda Tourism Association. Officers absent from the ceremony, including Amb.
Margaret Kedisi, Amb Patrick Guma Muganda, Ms Aisa Bogere, and Ms Catherine Natabo, were also acknowledged.
As the Ministry looks ahead to the launch of its forthcoming strategic plan, the farewell ceremony symbolised a bridge between generations of diplomats, united by a shared purpose of advancing Uganda’s role on the global stage.
