KAMPALA – Acting Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs), Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, has called on Uganda's diplomatic missions abroad to shift beyond traditional political representation and become aggressive promoters of the country's exports, investment opportunities and economic interests.

Speaking during the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Implementation Retreat, Kasolo said Uganda's embassies and high commissions must play a more active role in securing international markets for locally produced goods as the country intensifies efforts to grow exports and create wealth.

"Our missions abroad are not simply Uganda's political representatives; they are increasingly becoming this country's economic ambassadors," Kasolo said.

He urged Heads of Mission to actively showcase Ugandan products whenever they participate in international engagements, trade meetings and diplomatic events.

"Our Heads of Mission should carry along our products to the meetings they attend. It is our duty to ensure Ugandan products get markets abroad," he emphasized.

Kasolo stressed that diplomacy today goes beyond political relations, noting that the success of Uganda's foreign policy will increasingly be measured by its ability to attract investment, expand exports and create opportunities for Ugandan businesses.

The Minister also sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding the government's flagship Parish Development Model (PDM), saying it should not be viewed solely as a political programme.

"Most people think PDM is a political programme. It is not just a domestic policy. Economic and commercial diplomacy are sisters," he said.

According to Kasolo, the objectives of the Parish Development Model can only be fully realised if Uganda's growing agricultural and industrial production is linked to reliable international markets through effective economic diplomacy.

His remarks come as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to strengthen the implementation of Uganda's Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Strategy, which seeks to reposition diplomatic missions as key drivers of trade promotion, investment attraction, tourism marketing, technology transfer and job creation.

The retreat brought together government officials and Heads of Uganda's diplomatic missions to assess progress, share best practices and identify practical measures for improving the country's economic and commercial diplomacy agenda.

The government has increasingly challenged Ugandan diplomats to deliver measurable economic outcomes, including attracting foreign direct investment, promoting exports and opening new markets for Ugandan products, in line with the country's socio-economic transformation agenda.