JINJA, August 28, 2024 – Ramathan Ggoobi, Finance Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury [PSSST] today called on diplomats/ambassadors attending their annual retreat at the Civil Service College in Jinja to promote Uganda as a premier destination for tourism and investment.
Ggoobi pledged to support Uganda’s missions abroad in enhancing their staff capacity and improving their infrastructure. He emphasised the importance of meticulous planning, budgeting, execution, and accountability. The week-long retreat, themed “Strengthening Governance and Performance of the Foreign Service for National Development”, is an opportunity for Uganda’s diplomats to align their efforts with the country’s developmental goals.
Ggoobi informed the ambassadors that Uganda’s GDP growth has rebounded to 6 percent in the fiscal year 2023/24, up from 3 percent in FY 2019/20, following various shocks and crises. This recovery is attributed to effective macroeconomic management, favorable weather, and improving global economic conditions. He highlighted that growth has been widespread, with services expanding by 6.6%, industry by 5.8 percent, and agriculture by 5.1 percent in FY 2023/24.
Looking ahead, Ggoobi projected a growth rate of 6.4 percent for the current fiscal year, with expectations to reach at least 7 percent over the medium term. He added that, under the 10-fold growth strategy—including the oil and gas sector—GDP growth is anticipated to exceed 10 percent in the early years.
Since 2016, Uganda has experienced significant growth in foreign direct investment [FDI], driven by a favourable investment climate, business protection, improved infrastructure, political stability, and abundant natural resources. Ggoobi anticipated even faster FDI growth as oil production begins in FY 2025/26.
Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the critical role of diplomats in Uganda’s development. “Missions have an invisible but vital role in securing Uganda’s development dividend. Our participation in discussions on Regional Peace and Security through our engagement with regional and international bodies is crucial,” he stated.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gen. Jeje Odongo officially opened the retreat, which brings together Uganda’s envoys, heads of missions, and senior government officials. This retreat, the first in over two years, offers a unique platform for discussing issues ranging from economic diplomacy to geopolitical relations. It comes at a crucial time when global diplomatic challenges necessitate a reassessment of Uganda’s foreign policy.
Odongo reflected on the progress made by Uganda’s Foreign Service since the last ambassadors’ retreat, praising diplomats for their efforts despite numerous challenges. He emphasized that the conference is an opportunity to both celebrate past achievements and reflect on how Uganda’s foreign policy can better support national development.
This year’s retreat focuses on economic diplomacy. The Minister stressed that Uganda’s foreign policy must prioritize economic growth, industrialization, and sustainable development. He outlined Uganda’s long-term development agenda, Vision 2040, which aims to transform Uganda into a modern and prosperous nation by 2040.
“Vision 2040 is a guiding document that has shaped our foreign policy, focusing on overcoming socio-economic barriers, enhancing infrastructure, improving skills development, and harnessing Uganda’s natural resources, including oil, gas, and water,” Odongo said.
He also highlighted that Uganda is concluding its Third National Development Plan [NDP-III] and will soon transition to the Fourth National Development Plan [NDP-IV] for the period 2025/26 to 2029/30. Diplomats were encouraged to align their activities with these development plans, particularly in economic and commercial diplomacy, resource mobilisation, and technology transfer.
“Economic diplomacy is central to Uganda’s foreign policy. We are keen to use our diplomatic missions to promote trade, attract foreign direct investment, and expand market opportunities for Ugandan products,” Odongo emphasized.
The Minister outlined Uganda’s ambitious goal to grow its GDP from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040, focusing on agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral-based manufacturing, and technology. He described this strategy as essential for industrialising Uganda, creating value-added products, and increasing its presence in global markets.
“Our diplomats play a crucial role in attracting investments to achieve these targets. We aim to double our GDP every five years and increase FDI inflows from US$ 2.9 billion in 2022 to US$ 50bln in the coming years,” he said.
Partnerships with agencies such as the Uganda Investment Authority and Uganda Airlines were highlighted as key to supporting these growth targets. “These institutions will be instrumental in marketing Uganda abroad, facilitating business opportunities, and connecting Uganda to new markets,” Odongo explained.
The retreat also offers a chance to review Uganda’s bilateral and multilateral relations. The Minister addressed the current state of global affairs, noting the strain on the multilateral system due to rising geopolitical tensions. He reiterated Uganda’s commitment to advocating for reforms within the United Nations, including the need for a more representative Security Council.
Regarding the Anti-Homosexuality Act, Odongo acknowledged the misunderstandings it has caused with some international partners. He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to its cultural values while emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue to maintain healthy diplomatic relations.
“While the law was passed through democratic processes, we recognize the need for engagement with our partners to ensure our foreign relations remain constructive and forward-looking,” he remarked.
Regional integration, particularly within the East African Community [EAC], remains a key pillar of Uganda’s foreign policy. Odongo highlighted the benefits Uganda has already gained from regional trade and the potential for further growth, including discussions on a single currency and deeper integration.
“Regional integration offers significant trade and development opportunities. We must continue collaborating with our regional partners to achieve shared prosperity,” he said.
Additionally, Uganda is positioning itself to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area [AfCFTA], which opens new trade opportunities across the continent. The Minister noted that products like milk and coffee have significant export potential within Africa and encouraged diplomats to explore these internal markets.
Peace and security are also high priorities at this year’s conference, with ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries impacting Uganda’s economic and trade interests. Odongo reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts, particularly in Somalia, and emphasised the need for vigilance in the evolving security landscape.
“We remain committed to restoring peace and stability in the region,” Odongo said, urging diplomats to stay alert to developments and continue fostering peace through diplomatic channels.
The Minister concluded by urging diplomats and Ministry staff to remain dedicated to their work despite challenges. “Our foreign service is vital to Uganda’s economic transformation. We must build strong international partnerships and promote trade, investment, and development for the benefit of our country and future generations,” he said.
The retreat will feature discussions aimed at enhancing the performance of Uganda’s Foreign Service and ensuring it contributes effectively to national development.
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