Uganda's ambassadors urged to boost economic growth through strategic marketing

Addressing a week-long retreat for ambassadors and heads of missions at the Civil Service College in Jinja, themed “Strengthening Governance and Performance of the Foreign Service for National Development,” Ggoobi highlighted the significance of attracting tourists and investors to support the country’s ambitious 10-fold growth strategy.

“Tourism is a readily accessible opportunity that should be prioritised by ambassadors abroad,” Ggoobi said, noting Uganda’s goal to double its economy every five years in the medium term despite various challenges.

Ggoobi provided an overview of Uganda’s economic progress, pointing out that the country’s GDP growth has rebounded from previous shocks, reaching 6% in the FY 2023/24, up from 3% in FY 2019/20. He credited this recovery to sound macroeconomic management, favourable weather conditions, and improving global economic trends.

Ggoobi projected that economic growth would reach 6.4% in the current financial year and exceed 7% over the medium term. Pulse Live Uganda

He further explained that all sectors have seen growth: Services by 6.6%, Industry by 5.8%, and Agriculture by 5.1% in FY 2023/24. Ggoobi projected that economic growth would reach 6.4% in the current financial year and exceed 7% over the medium term.

With the 10-fold growth strategy, including the commencement of oil and gas production, GDP growth is anticipated to surpass 10% in the initial years, he added.

Mr Ggoobi outlined the key areas for the 10-fold growth plan, focusing on agro-industrial development, tourism, mineral-based development, oil and gas, and advancements in science, technology, ICT, and innovation.

He also discussed financing avenues for achieving this growth, such as tax revenue, total debt, market capitalisation, and private sector credit.

Emphasising the importance of collaboration, Mr Ggoobi called on ambassadors and heads of missions to support Uganda’s economic growth objectives and the 10-fold growth strategy. He stressed the need for aligned policies, disciplined execution, civic and trade order, natural resource preservation, infrastructure development, and human capital improvement.

He also noted potential internal and external risks, including corruption, inequality, climate change, global economic fluctuations, and resource conflicts, suggesting measures such as inclusive policies, diversification, and deeper regional integration.

Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire, expressing appreciation for the collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, highlighted that the impact of his ministry’s work, though sometimes not visible, is substantial.

He cited examples such as the Jinja Bridge, resulting from negotiations by Uganda’s Embassy in Tokyo, and the construction of an airport in Karamoja, initiated by the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi. He also mentioned a polytechnic institute established by Sharjah in Uganda.

The Ambassadors' Conference was opened by Gen Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who urged Uganda’s ambassadors and heads of missions abroad to align their work with Uganda’s National Development frameworks, including Vision 2040 and the Third National Development Plan.

Gen Odongo stressed that Uganda’s foreign policy should focus on promoting economic growth and regional integration, with economic and commercial diplomacy being vital to Uganda’s development. He urged ambassadors to advocate for value addition, industrialisation, and trade.

The conference aims to improve performance and innovation across missions, encourage peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and support regional and international peace and security initiatives.