The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally handed over the office of State Minister for Foreign Affairs (Regional Cooperation) from John Mulimba to Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, marking a transition in one of Uganda’s key diplomatic portfolios.
The handover ceremony was held on Thursday at the Ministry headquarters in Kampala and was presided over by Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire Waiswa in the presence of senior management and staff.
Speaking during the ceremony, Bagiire commended Mulimba for his service and contribution to advancing Uganda’s regional interests during his tenure.
He highlighted Mulimba’s role in leading engagements through Joint Permanent Commissions (JPCs), which he said have become important platforms for promoting trade and addressing non-tariff barriers affecting Ugandan exports within the region.
“A defining feature of the last five years has been Hon. Mulimba’s active engagement in Joint Permanent Commissions with Uganda’s most important regional partners,” Bagiire said.
“This year alone, five JPCs have been concluded, and they work as a vehicle for opening up markets for Ugandan products.”
According to the Permanent Secretary, the bilateral engagements have strengthened Uganda’s economic diplomacy and improved market access opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and exporters.
He thanked Mulimba for his service and wished him success in his new assignment.
In his farewell remarks, Mulimba expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing regional affairs.
He also commended the Ministry’s technical staff, led by the Permanent Secretary, for their professionalism and support throughout his tenure.
“I found immense pleasure working with the team in promoting and defending Uganda’s foreign policy and will forever be part of the story of this Ministry,” Mulimba said.
The outgoing minister encouraged his successor to work closely with the Ministry’s technical team, describing it as an important pillar in delivering on Uganda’s foreign policy objectives.
Mulimba noted that personal relationships and informal engagements with regional counterparts often play a critical role in resolving challenges more quickly than formal meetings.
He also observed that much of the Ministry’s work produces outcomes that may not always be visible to the public but have significant benefits for the country through negotiations and diplomatic engagements conducted behind closed doors.
Taking over the docket, Kasolo thanked Mulimba for the guidance and smooth transition and pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors.
He committed to promoting and defending Uganda’s foreign policy interests, expanding market opportunities for Ugandan products and advancing regional integration.
Kasolo said he would work closely with the Ministry’s technical team to ensure continuity while bringing renewed energy to strengthening cooperation with Uganda’s regional partners.
“I will work closely with the technical team to build on the foundation laid by my predecessors and continue advancing Uganda’s foreign policy objectives,” he said.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs (Regional Cooperation) oversees Uganda’s engagement with regional blocs and neighbouring countries, including efforts aimed at enhancing trade, regional integration, peace and security cooperation.
The change comes as Uganda continues to deepen its participation in regional initiatives under frameworks such as the East African Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, with increased focus on trade facilitation and economic integration.