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Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has recognized the outstanding achievements of its diplomatic missions during the ongoing Ambassadors’ Conference in Jinja. The event, which celebrates excellence in diplomatic service, highlighted the exceptional efforts of various teams, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to effective foreign policy and international engagement.
The two categories of Awards given were the Foreign Service Performance Awards and Foreign Service Innovation Awards.
The Uganda Consulate in Mombasa, led by Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, was honoured as the best performing Mission citing their leveraging of their location on the East African Coast to boost tourism numbers between Uganda and Kenya, and using the events as platforms for businesses to network. “This accolade reflects the Consulate’s dedication to promoting Uganda’s interests in the region and underscores the importance of effective diplomatic engagement in enhancing Uganda’s international stature,” said Mukumbya.
In a display of innovative diplomacy, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria was awarded the Missions Innovative Award for their adept utilisation of Diaspora networks to expand their commercial diplomacy footprint. Ambassador Paul Amoru and his team were commended for producing an impressive newsletter that effectively highlighted their activities and initiatives. “It is both humbling and gratifying to see our efforts recognized in this way. The success of Team Pretoria is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved,” stated Amb. Amoru, emphasizing their commitment to advancing Uganda’s foreign policy objectives.
The Abu Dhabi Mission, under the leadership of Ambassador Zaake W. Kibedi, clinched the title of first runner-up for best performing mission, while the Permanent Mission of
Uganda to the United Nations in Geneva, led by Ambassador Marcel R. Tibaleka, secured the second runner-up position. “These accolades reflect the commitment of all Missions in promoting Uganda's interests abroad and enhancing its global presence,” said a visibly excited Tibaleka.
Amb Julius Kivuna, Chairperson of the Rewards and Sanctions Committee, announced the awards, symbolizing the Ministry’s recognition of hard work and dedication among its diplomatic corps. ‘The Awards entrench a culture of results across all Missions, to provide for an opportunity for open appreciation and rewarding of performance excellence, the elimination of complacency among staff and teams at Mission level through expressed interest in their performance”
Amb. Amoru also expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Museveni for his leadership and to the political leadership within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He extended special thanks to Permanent Secretary Mr. Vincent Bagiire Waiswa for his ongoing support and guidance, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fosters success at both headquarters and missions abroad.
Speaking at the Award Ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Bagiire said that the symbolic rewards not only celebrate the individual accomplishments of Uganda’s diplomatic teams but also reinforce the Ministry’s broader mandate to advance Uganda’s foreign policy and enhance the nation’s influence on the global stage.
“The Awards serve as a reminder of the vital role that diplomacy plays in promoting national interests, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relationships, and enhancing the welfare of Ugandans both at home and abroad,” said Bagiire. He further explained that the method of selecting winners was developed through the circulation of a standard reporting tool to all Missions.
“The tool, which has clear parameters against which the evaluation was based, outlined set targets, key innovations in execution of targets, measure of excellence, Mission management, quality of reporting and submission of evidence of success,” he said
“As Uganda continues to navigate complex international relations, the dedication and innovation demonstrated by our Diplomatic Missions will be critical in achieving our strategic objectives”.
