Uganda to tie embassy funding to economic results

FRANKFURT, Germany — Uganda’s diplomatic missions will be evaluated by their economic contributions rather than protocol duties, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said during a retreat that concluded April 3.

Bagiire Vincent Waiswa addressed heads of mission from 13 embassies across Europe and the Americas at a mid-term review held in Frankfurt. He emphasized that future funding for the nation’s 34 global missions would be tied to measurable economic results.

Uganda is at a moment where diplomacy must be felt not only in communiqués and meetings, but in factories opened, tourists received, exports increased, and jobs created back home, Bagiire said in his opening remarks.

During the 2025-26 fiscal year, 34 Ugandan missions received 113.25 billion Ugandan shillings. Under a new strategy launched last year in Gulu, these embassies are now positioned as frontline platforms for foreign direct investment, tourism, and export growth.

Bagiire told the assembled diplomats that their work in influential markets and innovation hubs must directly benefit citizens ranging from coffee exporters in Masaka to innovators in Kampala.

The retreat followed a year of significant economic activity for the East African nation. Uganda attracted $3.5 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, while the tourism sector generated $1.5 billion from more than 1.6 million international visitors.

Ambassador Richard Kabonero, head of the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy hub, said the review ensures embassies are operating according to strategic plans. He noted that funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year will follow a weighted assessment of each mission’s previous performance and economic potential.

The gathering resulted in a new reporting framework and a capacity-building plan to train diplomats in commercial diplomacy. It also produced harmonized work plans for the upcoming fiscal year to align with national budget priorities.