Uganda’s diplomatic Missions must increasingly be evaluated based on their contribution to the country’s economic diplomacy agenda, rather than on protocol activities alone.
This was emphasized by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, during a mid-term review retreat for Uganda’s 13 Missions in Europe and the Americas.
The retreat was held from March 29 to April 3 in Frankfurt, Germany, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Trade and Investment Potential through Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) Interventions.”
Bagiire noted that in the Financial Year 2025/26, 34 Ugandan Missions abroad received funding totaling shs113.25 billion. He stressed that future funding would be tied to measurable results.
“Uganda is at a moment where diplomacy must be felt not only in communiqués and meetings, but in factories opened, tourists received, exports increased, and jobs created back home,” he said in his opening remarks.
Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) Strategy for FY 2025/26–2029/30, launched in August 2025 in Gulu, repositions diplomatic Missions as frontline delivery platforms for exports, foreign direct investment (FDI), tourism, science, technology and innovation (STI) partnerships, and climate finance.
The strategy aligns with Uganda Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), and the Tenfold Growth Strategy. It aims to make Uganda’s foreign service more commercially focused, results-oriented, and accountable for measurable economic outcomes.
Under this framework, Uganda’s Embassies have implemented an aggressive program supporting the Tenfold Growth Strategy, using ATMS as priority areas.
“The work of our Missions in Europe and the Americas can no longer be seen as routine representation,” Bagiire told the Heads of Mission. “You are posted in some of the world’s most influential markets, financial centres, innovation hubs, and tourism source countries.”
He added that their work directly impacts ordinary Ugandans—from farmers in Kabale and coffee exporters in Masaka, to tour operators in Kasese, miners in Karamoja, and innovators in Kampala.
“Our task is to turn diplomatic presence into economic value. We must become more intentional, commercially alert, and practical in how we pursue the four pillars of Economic and Commercial Diplomacy,” he emphasized.
The retreat discussions were informed by key economic indicators highlighting both progress and urgency. Uganda attracted US$3.5 billion in FDI in 2025, while tourism generated US$1.5 billion from 1.64 million international visitors.
Heads of Mission also shared challenges and explored possible solutions.
The retreat generated several key outputs, including a comprehensive ECD reporting framework with standardized templates, indicators, and timelines to enhance transparency and accountability. It also produced a progress report outlining achievements, challenges, recommendations, and mitigation strategies, as well as an impact assessment report quantifying ECD’s contribution to economic growth, tourism, trade, and investment.
In addition, a capacity-building plan was developed, featuring training modules and technical support to strengthen diplomats’ expertise in Economic and Commercial Diplomacy.
Harmonised ECD work plans for FY 2026/27 were also validated and aligned with national priorities and budget allocations, providing a clear and coordinated roadmap for implementation.
Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Hub, said the mid-term review aimed to ensure that all funded Missions are aligned with agreed strategic plans.
He added that Missions were tasked with identifying key opportunities for attracting FDI, boosting trade, and promoting tourism, as well as positioning Uganda to fully harness these opportunities.
Kabonero further explained that ECD funding for FY 2026/27 will be allocated based on a strategic, evidence-based assessment using a tiered decision matrix. This matrix evaluates Missions based on performance, delivery capacity, strategic relevance, economic potential, and diaspora engagement.
“This approach ensures that funding supports Missions that deliver maximum economic returns and advance national interests,” he said.