The Ugandan government has unveiled a new Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) Handbook, a guide designed to equip the country’s envoys with practical tools to promote trade, attract investment, and boost tourism.
The handbook was launched during the annual Ambassadors’ Conference in Gulu by Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi, alongside State Minister for International Cooperation Henry Okello Oryem. Officials said the initiative will ensure Uganda’s missions abroad become active contributors to the nation’s development goals, rather than mere administrative outposts.
Minister Oryem urged ambassadors to embrace their evolving role as “economic foot soldiers,” noting that foreign service should not be seen as a cost center but as a driver of growth. Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire Waiswa added that the handbook aligns directly with President Museveni’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, giving envoys clear priorities for action.
The strategy places emphasis on strengthening institutional coordination, profiling markets, gathering investment intelligence, and forging closer partnerships with the private sector. Missions in Tokyo and New Delhi were highlighted as examples where economic diplomacy has already delivered results.
Ggoobi emphasized Uganda’s recent gains including $3.7 billion in foreign direct investment inflows, record $2.2 billion coffee export earnings, and $1.5 billion from tourism revenues and pledged to personally engage missions abroad to reinforce the government’s economic agenda.
The handbook marks a shift in Uganda’s diplomatic approach, empowering envoys to act as catalysts for growth, job creation, and stronger international partnerships.