Kampala, Uganda – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a farewell luncheon at Kampala Serena Hotel in honour of its outgoing Ministers, recognising their distinguished service and invaluable contributions to Uganda’s foreign policy and diplomatic agenda. The event, hosted by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, and attended by senior management of the Ministry, provided a moment of reflection, appreciation, and celebration of the leadership of Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Hon. Henry Okello Oryem, and Hon. John Mulimba.
The three Ministers leave behind a distinguished legacy, having steered the Ministry through significant milestones and institutional transformation. Their tenure was marked by a deliberate shift from traditional diplomacy to economic and commercial diplomacy, a strategic reorientation that strengthened Uganda’s engagement with international partners, and continues to contribute to the advancement of national socio-economic development priorities. Together, they played a critical role in enhancing the Ministry’s capacity to effectively promote and safeguard Uganda’s interests on the global stage.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing Ministers for their dedicated service, visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to advancing Uganda’s foreign policy objectives. He noted that their leadership significantly strengthened institutional capacity, improved service delivery, and consolidated key reforms within the Ministry.
He further highlighted several notable achievements realised under their stewardship, including the acquisition of land for the future expansion of the Ministry’s headquarters, the successful hosting of high-level international engagements such as the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the advancement of the Ministry’s digital transformation agenda through the automation of critical services and processes. “The true success of any institution lies in continuity and the lasting foundations established by its leaders,” Mr. Bagiire remarked, underscoring the importance of institutional memory and sustained progress.
Speaking on behalf of the outgoing Ministers, Hon. John Mulimba expressed appreciation to the Ministry’s senior management and staff for their unwavering teamwork, professional guidance, and support throughout his tenure. He commended the collective efforts that safeguarded the Ministry’s reputation and called for continued collaboration with the incoming leadership. Hon. Okello Oryem Henry, reflecting on his extensive service since 2005, thanked God for the opportunity to serve Uganda and expressed gratitude to colleagues for their guidance and cooperation over the years. He noted that his long service had enriched his understanding of international diplomacy and wished the incoming leadership success in executing the Ministry’s mandate.
Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar also expressed appreciation to H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the opportunity to serve as a minister and Ministry team for their dedication and close collaboration in advancing the Ministry’s objectives. He encouraged the incoming Ministers to foster teamwork with technical staff to ensure effective implementation of programmes and continued promotion of Uganda’s interests abroad.
Representing the incoming leadership, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune thanked the President for the opportunity to serve in the foreign affairs sector. He paid tribute to the outgoing Ministers for their service and acknowledged the strong institutional foundation they had established. He assured the Ministry of his commitment to continuity, collaboration, and effective service delivery, pledging to maintain an open and supportive working relationship with all stakeholders. The luncheon concluded as a fitting tribute to the outgoing Ministers, celebrating years of dedicated service while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to continuity, reform, and the continued advancement of Uganda’s foreign policy priorities under the incoming leadership.
Photo Credit: Fahad Mugga
