The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Jinja, Uganda|The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem on 10th July 10, 2017 officially opened the induction and orientation program for newly appointed Heads of Missions and Deputies at the Civil Service College in Jinja.
Oryem welcomed the ambassadors to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and told them that President Yoweri Museveni had appointed them deliberately, after careful thought, because he is certain of their capabilities. He encouraged them to take the [resident’s guidance on what he expects them to achieve on their posting critically.
Oryem urged the newly appointed Heads of Missions and Deputies to take their role of ambassadorship seriously in the particular stations they’ve been posted. He revealed the big responsibility ahead of them of representing Uganda abroad and reflecting the standards of the fountain of diplomacy..
The minister called on the new ambassadors to establish meaningful contacts and networks to aid smooth execution of their mandate both home and abroad. He emphasized the need for new ambassadors to reach out to the ambassadors previously heading the missions they’ve been posted to in order to learn the dynamics of the stations from them.
Oryem stressed the need for ambassadors to realign their minds to achieving inward investment and capital through the Ministry’s Commercial and Economic Diplomacy strategy. He further encouraged them to avoid wasteful expenditures.
Oryem asked the newly appointed Heads of Missions and Deputies to consult and seek advice from the relevant resource persons as they carry out their duties.
In his remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary Amb. Isaac Biruma Sebulime urged them to take on diplomacy and a cool head as they join the Ministry.
Amb. Sebulime highlighted the need for the ambassadors to acquaint themselves with the Ministry’s vision and mission. He emphasized that the ministry is now focused on commercial and economic diplomacy as key but the other sectors have not been and should not be forgotten.
Amb. Sebulime asked the newly appointed Heads of Missions and Deputies to avoid conflicts at missions and desist from advancing personal interests over National interests. He informed the Ambassadors dual challenge of refocusing its efforts to promote Commercial and Economic diplomacy and the need for team work both Mission and Ministry level.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed Heads of Missions and Deputies, Amb. Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga (Head of Mission, Beijing) extended gratitude to the Honorable Minister for a comprehensive synopsis of what is expected of them as Ambassadors and for sharing with them hard facts, ranging from the flow of procedure to relevant protocol and etiquette.
