The State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), Henry Okello Oryem, on Friday, 7th May, presented the progress on the manifesto commitments noting that the ministry implements a foreign policy that promotes peaceful and friendly relations with all countries, on the basis of respect for each other and mutual benefits with more emphasis to Uganda’s neighbours.
Minister Oryem said his Ministry continues to pursue a policy of commercial and economic diplomacy to promote tourism, trade and investments towards Uganda’s social economic transformation.
“Our Ministry is championing Uganda’s constructive contribution to regional and international economic development, peace and security, particularly through the regional and international frameworks,” said Oryem.
Highlighting Uganda’s excellent regional cooperation, minister Oryem gave the example of Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi among other African nations.
“Uganda enjoys peaceful co-existence with neighbours like Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda still enjoys warm relationship with Rwanda despite the closure of the border in Katuna. The president of Rwanda will be among the presidents attending the swearing in ceremony of Yoweri Museveni for the 6th elective term in office,” Oryem said, adding that: “President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo is also among those who have confirmed coming to attend the swearing in ceremony,” he stated.
The Minister also noted that Uganda has been greatly involved in supporting peace efforts in neighbouring South Sudan. Stating that President Museveni has on several occasions engaged and mediated with the various stakeholders in a bid to find solutions for eventual peaceful agreements in South Sudan.
“Uganda has continued to support the peace mission in Somalia and continues to maintain the largest number of peace keepers in war-torn Somalia. This is aimed at boosting regional peace and stability,” he said.
Minister Oryem said the insecurity in DRC presents a security threat to Uganda as it could spill over to the country. Uganda also continues to host the UN Regional Centre in Entebbe to support its missions in DRC. This centre has helped create jobs for Ugandans and established business opportunities for Uganda. “The presence of this centre has given Uganda a positive image,” says Okello Oryem.
As part of the Ministry’s economic and commercial diplomacy in the quest to earn more from the tourism sector, the ministry has steppedup the promotion of tourist sites to attract more tourists to Uganda.
As a result, tourism revenues have grown from US$$1.37bn in 2016 to US$$1.453bn in 2017 and reached USD$ 1.6bn in 2018. The Ministry through its Missions Abroad continues to participate in the following major exhibitions to showcase tourism products: China International Tourism Industry Expo (CITIE), Annual World Travel Market in London UK, ITB Berlin and Indaba-South Africa among others.
The foreign affairs ministry has also mobilized investors to do business in Uganda. He listed a number of foreign companies that have set up operations in Uganda courtesy of efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also noted that Foreign Affairs has been able to support the business destinations of Uganda Airlines.
Uganda: Shs1.2 trillion approved to facilitate merged agenciesThe ministry also supported exchange visits where students of Uganda go to countries like Israel to learn about modern techniques in agriculture.
Some of the challenges the ministry has encountered include; setbacks that affected this manifesto’s implementation included trade protectionism practiced by some of the neighbouring countries, insecurity in some neighboring countries, and the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic which has slowed down business and investments.
Despite all of the hurdles faced by the ministry, Okello noted that his ministry has managed to achieve 90% of its manifesto targets.
In order to protect Ugandans trading in South Sudan, Okello said Uganda government has engaged the government of South Sudan to reign in the armed bandits that have been attacking Ugandan traders there.
Uganda is working closely with DRC government to construct roads that will help in exporting goods to that country in a bid to boost trade within the region.
“Not everyone can export to Europe or the USA so we are also taking advantage of the regional markets. So that’s the strategy and there is no need for hullabaloo about this,” said Oryem.
Uganda is also seeking alternative markets out the region so that dairy products, poultry are exported to foreign countries. This comes with a condition of fulfilling the quality standards.
He noted that the ministry has continued to support investments in the oil and gas sector as evidenced in the just concluded signing of the East African Community Oil Pipeline with Tanzania’s President.
For purposes of foreign policy coordination, the ministry of foreign affairs continued to support the East African Community integration and federation processes.
