Kampala, Uganda – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted a formal handover ceremony effecting the transition of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Cooperation) portfolio from Hon. John Mulimba to Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune. Presided over by Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Permanent Secretary, in the presence of senior management and staff of the Ministry.
On behalf of top management, senior management, and the staff of the Ministry, Mr. Bagiire expressed sincere appreciation to Hon. John Mulimba for his distinguished service, wise counsel, and extensive work across the region during his tenure. He highlighted that a defining feature of the last five years has been Hon. Mulimba’s active engagement in Joint Permanent Commissions (JPCs) with Uganda’s most important regional partners. This work has been central to promoting trade through negotiations for the removal of Non-Trade Barriers. “This year alone, 5 JPCs have been concluded, and they work as a vehicle for opening up markets for Ugandan products,” Mr. Bagiire stated. He noted that these structured bilateral engagements have strengthened Uganda’s economic diplomacy and improved market access for farmers, manufacturers, and exporters. Mr. Bagiire wished Hon. Mulimba well in his next chapter of service to the country.
In his handover remarks, Hon. Mulimba thanked H.E. the President for the confidence placed in him to serve as Minister in charge of Regional Affairs. He commended the technical team at the Ministry, 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,” Hon. Mulimba said. He encouraged the incoming Minister to make full use of the technical team to deliver on the Ministry’s mandate and pledged his availability for consultations whenever necessary.
A key message from Hon. Mulimba was the value of cultivating close, direct contacts with regional counterparts, since informal engagements often help resolve challenges faster than waiting for formal structured meetings. He also underscored that much of the Ministry’s work produces intangible results that are nonetheless insurmountable in nature, including closed-door negotiations that yield benefits for Uganda through other Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
In his takeover remarks, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune thanked his predecessor for the cordial reception and guidance in foreign policy and pledged to work closely with the Ministry’s technical team to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors. He committed to promoting and defending Uganda’s foreign policy, expanding market access for Ugandan goods, and advancing regional integration for the benefit of Ugandans. He emphasised continuity in the Ministry’s core work while bringing renewed energy to deepening regional cooperation.
Photo Credit: Fahad Mugga
