Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye has welcomed the appointment of Amb. Adonia Ayebare as Uganda’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, hailing him as a respected regional diplomat whose contribution to Burundi’s peace efforts remains unforgettable.

In a message released shortly after President Yoweri Museveni unveiled his new Cabinet, Ndayishimiye congratulated Ayebare and recalled his role in Burundi’s peace process.

“I am delighted by the appointment of Amb. Adonia Ayebare to the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda by H.E. Yoweri K. Museveni. Well-known figure to the people of Burundi, his vital contribution as special envoy to our peace process remains etched in our memories,” the Burundian President said.

Ndayishimiye’s remarks add regional weight to Ayebare’s appointment, underscoring the veteran diplomat’s long-standing influence beyond Uganda’s borders.

Ayebare, who has been serving as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, now returns to Kampala to take charge of the Foreign Affairs docket in one of the most closely watched appointments in President Museveni’s new government.

Known for his extensive diplomatic experience and deep involvement in regional peace and security affairs, Ayebare has represented Uganda on key international platforms and played roles in mediation efforts across the Great Lakes region.

President Museveni also named Soroti City West MP and NRM Vice Chairperson for Teso, Hon. Calvin Echodu, as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Affairs.

Echodu, a businessman-turned-politician, enters the Foreign Affairs ministry at a time when Uganda is expanding economic diplomacy, trade partnerships and international engagement.

Meanwhile, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, who previously served as State Minister for Microfinance, was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs. Kasolo brings prior government experience and is expected to handle Uganda’s regional cooperation agenda, particularly within the East African Community and broader African diplomatic engagements.

The trio now forms Uganda’s new Foreign Affairs leadership team, taking over at a time when Kampala is navigating complex regional security questions in the Great Lakes, Sudan and Horn of Africa, while also seeking stronger global partnerships in trade, investment and development diplomacy.