Foreign Affairs Ministry Pays Tribute to Margaret Kafeero Ahead of New Addis Ababa Posting

KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has paid tribute to Ms. Margaret Awino Kafeero, the outgoing Head of Public Diplomacy, celebrating her distinguished service, leadership and contribution to strengthening Uganda’s public diplomacy and international image.

Kafeero is preparing to take up a new diplomatic assignment at Uganda’s Mission to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Ministry’s tribute, published through its Diplomatic Notes newsletter, highlights Kafeero’s impact on the department and her efforts to make Uganda’s diplomatic work more accessible to the public.

Her tenure was particularly associated with the transformation and expansion of Diplomatic Notes, the Ministry’s monthly publication. In her farewell message, Kafeero described her tenure as Head of Public Diplomacy as one of the greatest honours of her career.

She noted that the publication had evolved from a roughly 30-page PDF posted on the Ministry’s website into a digital microsite, downloadable flip-book and printed monthly publication.

Kafeero said her goal had been to leave the Public Diplomacy Department better than she found it while championing narratives that communicate Uganda’s diplomatic work to ordinary citizens.

The Ministry said her leadership was also marked by a strong emphasis on mentoring staff, innovation and teamwork.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry during her farewell ceremony, Under Secretary Stephen Kyaterekera commended Kafeero for her professionalism, commitment and exceptional work ethic.

“Margaret has not only served with professionalism and commitment, but she has also raised the bar of excellence through her leadership and dedication,” Kyaterekera said, according to the Ministry.

He added that while the Ministry would miss her presence, it took pride in the values and experience she would carry into her new assignment.

A legacy of public diplomacy

During her farewell remarks, Kafeero credited the achievements of the Public Diplomacy Department to collective effort, likening the team to a jigsaw puzzle, with each member contributing a unique strength to the overall picture.

She particularly highlighted the growth of Diplomatic Notes and the professional development of officers she had mentored as among the accomplishments that gave her the greatest satisfaction.

She urged colleagues to remain innovative, embrace continuous learning and believe in their ability to deliver results even when working with limited resources.

Kafeero also recognised the contribution of her departmental secretary, Tina, whom she credited with helping keep the team together during challenging moments.

Her work at the Ministry has included promoting Uganda’s foreign policy through public communication, cultural diplomacy and strategic engagement with domestic and international audiences.

The Ministry’s Public Diplomacy Department is responsible for advancing public understanding of Uganda’s foreign policy and diplomatic activities, including cultural diplomacy and outreach initiatives.

Family support

The farewell also offered Kafeero an opportunity to acknowledge the role played by her family throughout her diplomatic career.

She thanked her children, relatives and friends for the sacrifices and support that enabled her to balance public service with family responsibilities.

Her husband, Ambassador Arthur Kafeero, described her as a hardworking and determined public servant, praising her dedication and commitment to Uganda.

He said her legacy would continue to inspire future generations of diplomats.

Kafeero’s departure marks the end of a period in which the Ministry significantly expanded its public-facing diplomatic communication, particularly through Diplomatic Notes.

As she moves to Addis Ababa, she takes with her experience in public diplomacy, strategic communication and Uganda’s foreign policy—a portfolio she is now expected to bring to the country’s engagement with the African Union.

The Ministry’s tribute described her departure not simply as an end to her tenure at headquarters, but as a transition to a new chapter in her diplomatic service.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda — Diplomatic Notes.