The Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has pledged Government’s commitment to ensure that critical budgetary allocations are made, to promote commercial and economic diplomacy.
Rugunda who was opening a two days Ambassadors annual retreat at Speke Resort Munyonyo, emphasized the strategic contribution of Uganda’s diplomatic missions. He said diplomatic services should be deliberately planned for through platforms such as retreats or conferences. ‘I urge you to review challenges faced by our country and strategize to strengthen our positioning in the international development arena’, the Premier said.
The retreat was held under the theme: Delivering on the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it was the 7th Annual Retreat/Conference for the Ambassadors.
The Prime Minister said Government was committed to provide a peaceful environment both in Uganda and in the sub region. ‘You need to give this assurance to investors and tourists so that they can gain more and more confidence in the country’, Rugunda stressed.
The Premier added that the struggle to move the Foreign Affairs Ministry from a consumptive to a productive sector will be his priority. ‘However, I must be convinced that you are indeed making progress away from being a typical consumptive sector to a more strategic player in the economic development processes’, he said, adding, ‘I expect to receive regular updates on the strategic results in the implementation of the Foreign Affairs Strategic Investment Plan’.
He highlighted the importance of the year 2015 saying it provides the Government with an excellent opportunity to consolidate the achievements in the economic, social and political spheres as laid out in the Vision 2014. ‘I cannot overemphasize the significance of 2015. It is a year to seal the deal with a resounding completion of the delivery of the NRM commitments to the people of Uganda in the 2011 Election Manifesto’, Rugunda said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is also the President of the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Hon. Sam Kutesa addressed the annual Ambassadors’ Conference. He said his Ministry had outlined nine strategic objectives which include among others, the promotion of economic and commercial diplomacy; regional integration and resource mobilization.
He said Government had endeavored to build diplomatic presence around the world and if resources allow, more diplomatic missions will be opened particularly in South America. ‘We also have to acquire more properties to increase our visibility. Cabinet is due to consider an enabling Paper in this regard’, he said. He added that the Diaspora remains an important partner in Uganda’s development, with remittances to the GDP last year estimated at one billion US dollars. ‘Missions should carry out activities that mobilize the Diaspora to tap into their human and capital resources’, Kutesa said.
He told the Heads of Missions abroad to attract requisite technology, financing and partnerships that support Uganda’s sustainable growth.