By Aggrey Baba
Government has once again raised concern over the growing costs of running Uganda’s diplomatic missions abroad, and wants government to review which embassies are really necessary.
Uganda currently operates 38 embassies and high commissions around the world, from Washington and London to Moscow and Canberra. But the President says some of these posts are a big drain on the country’s resources without delivering real benefits.
During a Cabinet meetingin March, Museveni pointed out that Foreign Service officers get very high allowances, yet many do not perform well, and directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare a list of missions that can be closed or merged to save money.
This is not the first time such a move is being considered. As far back as 1999 and again in 2006, similar efforts to reduce the number of missions were made but later reversed.
Sources close to the Ministry say nepotism and political appointments have become common, with some diplomats lacking the skills needed to promote Uganda’s interests abroad.
Many people are sent to embassies because of who they know, not because they are qualified and this causes poor performance and sometimes misconduct.
Some high-profile diplomats have even been recalled for misbehavior in recent years, raising questions about recruitment and supervision.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, told Parliament recently that Uganda is looking to cut its missions from 38 to about 15 key countries.
“We want to focus our resources on missions that add value to Uganda’s foreign relations, trade, and investment,” Oryem said.
Reducing missions will not be easy, because some embassies serve multiple countries, like the one in Abuja that covers much of West Africa. The government will have to weigh how best to maintain regional influence while cutting costs.
The Foreign Affairs budget is already under pressure, with big chunks going to staff salaries and allowances, rent, and running costs.
Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire told MPs that quality matters more than quantity when it comes to diplomats.
“It is better to have fewer missions with competent staff than many with poor performance,” Bagiire said.
President Museveni’s push to streamline Uganda’s diplomatic service reflects a desire to stop wastage and improve efficiency.
While some worry that cutting embassies could reduce Uganda’s global presence, others agree the current system is not sustainable.
The Ministry is expected to present its final report soon, which could lead to the closure or merging of several embassies as part of a new strategy to safeguard taxpayers’ money. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
