GULU, Uganda — Gen. Salim Saleh, the chief coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, warned that Uganda risks missing global trade and economic opportunities without a unified approach between its diplomats and government ministries.
Speaking at the Annual Ambassadors Conference 2025 at Gulu University, Saleh stressed that Uganda’s foreign engagements must be guided by a single, coherent national strategy that links diplomacy directly with the country’s economic priorities.
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“International cooperation requires deeper analysis of partners’ strengths and closer integration between diplomats and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said. “Only through strategic coordination can Uganda advance its economic and diplomatic agenda.”
Saleh acknowledged Uganda has recently diversified its export base, citing growth in non-traditional exports such as gold, tourism and remittances.
However, he cautioned that agriculture remains an underexploited sector with significant export potential that must be unlocked.
He argued that Uganda’s diplomatic missions abroad must move beyond ceremonial functions to become active platforms for advancing trade, investment and market access for Ugandan products. According to Saleh, the country cannot afford fragmented efforts.
“Our diplomats must synchronize with Uganda’s national interests,” Saleh said. “This requires deeper coordination, strategic planning and alignment between the Foreign Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gen. Abubakhar Jeje Odongo commended the missions for their diplomatic achievements over the past year.
He echoed Saleh’s message, calling on the ambassadors to prioritize national development goals such as agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral beneficiation and science and technology innovation.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), Oryem Henry Okello, commended the ambassadors for their resilience and challenged them to ensure their missions deliver “measurable impact in trade, investment and cooperation.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, thanked Gulu University for hosting the event and highlighted that this year’s deliberations would focus on advancing economic and commercial diplomacy.
Gulu University Vice Chancellor Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru highlighted the university’s role in knowledge generation and research and invited the ambassadors to connect the university with global networks.
The weeklong conference, held under the theme “Strengthening the Foreign Service’s Contribution to National Development,” brings together Uganda’s top diplomats to evaluate their performance and realign their work with the nation’s broader development agenda.
