The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello, has praised the pivotal role of women in advancing Uganda’s interests internationally.
Minister Oryem made the remarks as he led the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in marking International Women’s Day, celebrating women’s leadership, resilience, and impact in global affairs.
Under the theme “Give to Gain”, the event brought together women diplomats, foreign service officers, and leaders who have made significant contributions to the nation and the international community.
“Women in foreign service are advancing Uganda’s interests across trade, diplomacy, and global partnerships with distinction,” Minister Oryem said, noting their growing influence in shaping Uganda’s voice on the global stage.
Under Secretary Stephen Kyaterekera emphasised that the progress celebrated today is the result of deliberate leadership and institutional support for women.
“Empowering women in this ministry is not symbolic; it is deliberate. Leadership support has made progress visible and meaningful,” he said, highlighting the ministry's commitment to structured engagement and tangible opportunities for women in foreign service.
Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire reinforced the importance of women’s contributions to national development.
“Women remain central to this ministry and to national development. We honour your service to the nation and to society. The conversations we hold today must shape tomorrow’s policy and institutional reform,” he said, urging that women’s contributions be sustained through deliberate policy and practice.
The keynote address delivered by Pastor Jessica Kayanja highlighted that empowerment is cultivated through resilience, intentional growth, and courageous leadership.
Ambassador Rosemary Semafumu Mukasa added that “diplomacy is sustained by human experience, families, sacrifice, and resilience behind service", recognising the often unseen contributions of women in the sector.
As Women’s Month concludes, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender-responsive diplomacy, ensuring that women continue to lead, influence, and shape Uganda’s international engagement.
The celebration underscored that supporting women in leadership is a deliberate strategy critical not only to the ministry but also to the nation’s development and global influence.
