By Dorcus Kimono
Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune has formally taken over as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, replacing John Mulimba.
The handover ceremony was held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Kampala and was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa. It was attended by senior management and staff of the ministry.
Bagiire thanked Mulimba for his service, saying his tenure had been marked by strong engagement with Uganda’s regional partners, especially through Joint Permanent Commissions.
He said the commissions had helped Uganda push for the removal of non-tariff barriers and open markets for Ugandan goods.
“This year alone, five JPCs have been concluded, and they work as a vehicle for opening up markets for Ugandan products,” Bagiire said.
He noted that the engagements had strengthened Uganda’s economic diplomacy and improved market access for farmers, manufacturers and exporters.
In his farewell remarks, Mulimba thanked President Museveni for appointing him to serve in the foreign affairs docket and commended the technical team at the ministry for its support during his tenure.
“I found immense pleasure working with the team in promoting and defending Uganda’s foreign policy and will forever be part of the story of this ministry,” Mulimba said.
He urged Kasolo to work closely with the ministry’s technical staff and said he would remain available for consultation when needed.
Mulimba also said regional diplomacy often depends on direct contacts with counterparts, noting that informal engagements can sometimes resolve issues faster than formal meetings.
He said some of the ministry’s work may not always be visible to the public, but remains important in advancing Uganda’s interests through negotiations and coordination with other government ministries, departments and agencies.
Kasolo thanked Mulimba for the smooth handover and pledged to build on the work already done.
He said he would focus on promoting Uganda’s foreign policy, expanding market access for Ugandan goods and deepening regional cooperation.
Kasolo also pledged to work with the ministry’s technical team to advance regional integration and protect Uganda’s interests in the region.
