The Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Gen. Salim Saleh, has called for stronger coordination between Uganda’s diplomats and government ministries, warning that without a united approach, the country risks missing opportunities in global trade and economic diplomacy.
Speaking at the Annual Ambassadors Conference 2025 at Gulu University, Saleh stressed that Uganda’s foreign engagements must be guided by a coherent national strategy that tightly links diplomacy with the country’s economic priorities.
“International cooperation requires deeper analysis of partners’ strengths and closer integration between diplomats and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only through strategic coordination can Uganda advance its economic and diplomatic agenda,” he said.
Saleh noted Uganda’s recent progress in diversifying its export base, pointing to growth in gold, tourism, and remittances as examples of non-traditional exports that have boosted the economy.
However, he cautioned that agriculture remains underexploited in terms of export potential.
“While Uganda has recorded growth in non-traditional exports such as gold, tourism, and remittances, the challenge remains in scaling up agricultural exports. We must develop strategies that unlock the full potential of our farmers,” Saleh said.
He argued that Uganda’s diplomatic missions abroad must move beyond ceremonial functions and instead serve as active platforms for advancing trade, investment, and market access for Ugandan products. According to Saleh, the country cannot afford fragmented efforts between foreign missions and institutions at home.
“Our diplomats must synchronise with Uganda’s national interests. This requires deeper coordination, strategic planning, and alignment between the Foreign Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Saleh said.
The week long conference running under the theme “Strengthening the Foreign Service’s Contribution to National Development,” brings together Uganda’s top diplomats to evaluate their performance, exchange strategies, and realign their work with the nation’s broader development agenda
