KAMPALA, Uganda — Foreign Minister Kasolo backs new IGAD strategy shifting to bilateral cooperation, endorsing a major structural transition by the regional bloc away from broad regional programs toward targeted state-to-state engagement.
The endorsement followed a high-level diplomatic meeting at the ministry headquarters, where Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo received Joselyn Bigirwa, the Head of Mission for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
During the briefing, Bigirwa detailed the organization’s revised operational framework, which pivots to direct bilateral cooperation to maximize impact. A central component of this shift is the development of the 2026-2030 Country Strategy for Uganda, a five-year roadmap designed to align with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan.
According to Bigirwa, the upcoming strategy will prioritize peace and security, economic cooperation, health, and agriculture. The programs will be executed in direct partnership with relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies.
While mapping out the new state-level approach, the IGAD envoy also addressed operational sustainability, underscoring the critical importance of member states honoring their assessed financial contributions to ensure the bloc can effectively deliver on its mandates.
Kasolo welcomed the proposed country strategy and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the regional body. He emphasized that deepening collaboration between IGAD and domestic government institutions is essential to advancing regional integration, stability, peace, and sustainable development.
Official communication notes that IGAD will continue to route its engagement with Uganda through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, maintaining a specific focus on regional peace and security initiatives.
