The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, has challenged Ambassadors and Heads of Missions abroad to shift from ceremonial diaspora engagements to highly organized, measurable economic operations.
“Economic diplomacy is no longer a polite supplement to political duties; it is the frontline of Uganda’s economic transformation,” said Ggoobi.
He made the remarks at the retreat of the Regional Economic Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala under the theme: “Setting the National Context: ECD in Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Agenda.”
Ggoobi said diplomats must master trade analytics, investment sourcing, and rapid-response investor aftercare, adding that foreign policy now carries an explicit economic mandate—one measured in dollars of investments secured, product volumes and value exported, number of tourists attracted, and receipts brought into the country.
The call reflects a broader government push to align Uganda’s foreign missions with the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which aims to transform the economy from its current size to a $500 billion economy. The strategy prioritises commercial diplomacy, export promotion, and investment attraction as key drivers of growth.
On accountability for results, the PSST said budget prioritization will directly follow verifiable performance. This means that missions that demonstrate tangible economic outcomes such as securing investment deals, expanding export markets, or attracting tourists will receive greater support, while underperforming missions may face reduced funding.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Bagiire, commended the partnership between his Ministry and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in promoting Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD). He committed to working closely with missions abroad to deliver Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
The retreat signals a significant shift in how Uganda views its diplomatic corps. Traditionally, Ambassadors have been evaluated on political and ceremonial duties. Under the new approach, they will be expected to function as economic envoys, actively identifying trade and investment opportunities and facilitating partnerships that contribute to Uganda’s development goals.
For Uganda’s missions abroad, the message is clear: economic diplomacy is no longer optional, it is the frontline of the country’s economic transformation.
