The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday paid glowing tribute to a group of retiring ambassadors and senior officials whose decades-long careers helped shape Uganda’s diplomatic footprint across the globe.
At a ceremony held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, the Ministry brought together government officials, diplomats, families and partners in what was described as a moment of honor, reflection and renewed commitment to the values of Uganda’s Foreign Service.
Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, speaking on behalf of the Ministers and the Government of Uganda, hailed the retirees for what he called disciplined and nationally transformative service in one of government’s most complex portfolios.
“We gather not merely to mark the passage of time,” Bagiire said, “but to recognize the substance of duty quietly rendered, consistently delivered, and nationally transformative.”
He paid special tribute to Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, Ambassador Elly Kamahungye, Ms. Juliet Namiiro Mugerwa and other outgoing officers for their “distinguished contribution to Uganda’s Foreign Service and to the dignity of our flag abroad.”
Bagiire singled out Ambassador Elly Kamahungye for his “unwavering pursuit of objectives and exemplary representation” of the Ministry, particularly in advancing Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD). He described the codification of the ECD Strategy Handbook as a milestone in strengthening Uganda’s economic engagement abroad.
Ambassador Paul Mukumbya’s tenure in Mombasa also came in for praise. Bagiire described it as a “strategic chapter that reimagined opportunity,” citing efforts to leverage port access, partnerships and regional goodwill to boost Uganda’s tourism footprint. The growth in Kenyan and international tourist flows, he said, underscored the impact of focused commercial diplomacy.
Beyond high-level negotiations and consular work, the Permanent Secretary emphasized the often-overlooked importance of sound administration. He commended the Ministry’s Accounts Department, noting that accurate record-keeping and timely accountability are “as vital to diplomacy as negotiation itself.”
Calling for greater collegiality within the institution, Bagiire urged officers to foster a culture of respect. “How we treat one another becomes the enduring memory of our service. Dignity and kindness are not accessories to leadership; they are its foundation,” he said.
In his remarks, Ambassador Kamahungye expressed gratitude to colleagues for their teamwork and patience over the years. Reflecting on the formalization of Economic and Commercial Diplomacy, he described seeing the strategy documented as “a moment of affirmation for years of determined effort.”
“Teamwork is all that matters. When we work as one, progress follows,” he said.
Ambassador Mukumbya, who served for 31 years, described the ceremony as a meaningful departure from the past when retiring officers “would quietly melt away.” He stressed the importance of building cohesive mission teams, warning that workplace conflict undermines productivity.
“When there are conflicts at the workplace, the first casualty is work; a healthy environment produces results,” he said, crediting partnerships — including with the private sector — for strengthening Uganda’s tourism diplomacy.
Other retirees spoke of resilience, fairness and the value of community support throughout their diplomatic journeys. Families, partners and stakeholders — including the Uganda Tourism Association and media collaborators — were recognized for sustaining the officers’ service abroad.
Also honored in absentia were Ambassador Margaret Kedisi, Ambassador Patrick Guma Muganda, Ms. Aisa Bogere and Ms. Catherine Natabo.
As the Ministry prepares to roll out its new strategic plan, officials said the farewell ceremony symbolized not an end, but a transition — linking generations of diplomats committed to advancing Uganda’s interests and presence on the global stage.
