Ugandan diplomatic missions honored for excellence and innovation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recognized the outstanding achievements of its diplomatic missions during the ongoing ambassadors’ conference in Jinja.The event, which celebrates excellence in diplomatic service, highlighted the exceptional efforts of various teams, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to effective foreign policy and international engagement.The two categories of awards given were the Foreign Service Performance Awards andForeign Service Innovation Awards.The Uganda Consulate in Mombasa, led by Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, was honoured as the best performing Mission citing their leveraging of their location on the East African Coast to boost tourism numbers between Uganda and Kenya, and using the events as platforms for businesses to network.“This accolade reflects the Consulate’s dedication to promoting Uganda’s interests in the region and underscores the importance of effective diplomatic engagement in enhancing Uganda’s international stature,” said Mukumbya.In a display of innovative diplomacy, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria was awarded the Missions Innovative Award for their adept utilisation of Diaspora networks to expand their commercial diplomacy footprint.Ambassador Paul Amoru and his team were commended for producing an impressive newsletter that effectively highlighted their activities and initiatives.“It is both humbling and gratifying to see our efforts recognized in this way. The success of Team Pretoria is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved,” stated Amb. Amoru, emphasizing their commitment to advancing Uganda’s foreign policy objectives.The Abu Dhabi Mission, under the leadership of Ambassador Zaake W. Kibedi, clinchedthe title of first runner-up for best performing mission, while the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations in Geneva, led by Ambassador Marcel R. Tibaleka, secured the second runner-up position.“These accolades reflect the commitment of all Missions in promoting Uganda’s interests abroad and enhancing its global presence,” said Tibaleka.Amb Julius Kivuna, chairperson of the rewards and sanctions committee, announced the awards, symbolizing the ministry’s recognition of hard work and dedication among its diplomatic corps.‘The awards entrench a culture of results across all missions, to provide for an opportunity for open appreciation and rewarding of performance excellence, the elimination of complacency among staff and teams at mission level through expressed interest in their performance”Speaking at the award ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Bagiire said that the symbolic rewards not only celebrate the individual accomplishments of Uganda’s diplomatic teams but also reinforce the Ministry’s broader mandate to advance Uganda’s foreign policy and enhance the nation’s influence on the global stage.“The awards serve as a reminder of the vital role that diplomacy plays in promoting national interests, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relationships, and enhancing the welfare of Ugandans both at home and abroad,” said Bagiire.He further explained that the method of selecting winners was developed through the circulation of a standard reporting tool to all missions.“The tool, which has clear parameters against which the evaluation was based, outlined set targets, key innovations in execution of targets, measure of excellence, mission management, quality of reporting and submission of evidence of success”, he said“As Uganda continues to navigate complex international relations, the dedication and innovation demonstrated by our diplomatic missions will be critical in achieving our strategic objectives.”https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/ugandan-diplomatic-missions-honored-for-excellence-and-innovation/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum