Veteran diplomat Adonia Ayebare has officially taken charge as Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, beginning a new chapter at the ministry with promises to strengthen diplomatic missions, improve communication and sharpen the country’s international engagement.
Ayebare formally assumed his responsibilities after taking the oath of office at State House in Entebbe on August 11, 2026, during a ceremony presided over by President Yoweri Museveni. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the swearing-in marked the formal start of his duties in the new Cabinet.
He subsequently took over from Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, who had been serving as acting Foreign Affairs Minister, during a handover at the ministry’s headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, August 12.
Adonia Ayebare Sets Out Priorities for Foreign Affairs Ministry
As he settles into the role, Adonia Ayebare has signalled that improving the performance of Uganda’s diplomatic service will be one of his immediate priorities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ayebare acknowledged challenges affecting some of Uganda’s missions abroad and called for greater professionalism, teamwork and accountability.
He expressed concern that internal disagreements within diplomatic missions can damage Uganda’s image and distract officials from their core responsibility of representing the country’s interests overseas.
For Ayebare, diplomatic missions should remain focused on building relationships, promoting Uganda’s interests and supporting commercial diplomacy rather than becoming distracted by internal disputes.
His comments suggest that institutional discipline and stronger coordination could become important themes during his tenure.
Better Support for Uganda’s Foreign Missions
Another major issue Adonia Ayebare wants addressed is the support available to Uganda’s embassies and diplomatic missions.
Foreign missions often operate under financial and logistical pressure, and Ayebare acknowledged the difficult conditions under which some Ugandan diplomats work.
He pledged to advocate for better support while recognising that the government may not be able to provide every resource missions request.
The minister said keeping diplomats motivated would remain important if Uganda is to get better results from its international representation.
That support could prove particularly important as Uganda increasingly uses diplomacy to promote investment, trade and stronger political relationships with countries around the world.
Adonia Ayebare Wants Faster Communication With Missions
Communication between the Foreign Affairs Ministry headquarters in Kampala and Uganda’s missions abroad is also high on the new minister’s agenda.
Ayebare said delays in sending instructions and responding to diplomatic missions can affect their ability to represent Uganda effectively.
He drew on his own experience serving at Uganda’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, where timely communication with Kampala was crucial when dealing with fast-moving international issues.
The minister now wants diplomatic missions to receive guidance and responses from headquarters more quickly.
Improved communication could help Uganda respond more effectively to international developments while giving ambassadors and other diplomats clearer direction on government policy.
Foreign Diplomats in Kampala Also in Focus
Adonia Ayebare also wants the ministry to improve its engagement with foreign diplomats accredited to Uganda.
He said ambassadors representing other countries in Kampala should be able to communicate effectively with the government and receive timely responses to their concerns.
Foreign missions play an important role in maintaining bilateral relationships, coordinating development programmes, facilitating investment and addressing diplomatic matters.
Ayebare’s emphasis on service delivery therefore extends beyond Uganda’s missions abroad to foreign representatives working inside the country.
Commercial Diplomacy Expected to Remain a Priority
Uganda has increasingly placed economic and commercial diplomacy at the centre of its foreign policy.
The government wants embassies to go beyond traditional political diplomacy by helping attract investors, expanding markets for Ugandan products and promoting tourism and other economic opportunities.
During the handover, Kasolo urged Ayebare to strengthen coordination between Uganda’s foreign missions and the ministry, particularly when diplomats identify potential investors overseas.
The official Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said Ayebare assumes office as Uganda continues pursuing regional integration, economic diplomacy and wider international engagement.
Extensive Diplomatic Experience Behind Adonia Ayebare
Ayebare arrives at the ministry with extensive experience in international diplomacy.
Before taking up the Cabinet position, he served as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, placing him at the centre of some of the country’s most important multilateral diplomatic engagements.
His diplomatic career has also included involvement in regional peace and security issues and service within Uganda’s foreign missions.
That background could give him an advantage in understanding both the opportunities and everyday challenges facing Ugandan diplomats abroad.
Unlike a newcomer to foreign service, Ayebare takes charge with first-hand experience of how decisions made in Kampala affect officials representing Uganda overseas.
Museveni Calls for Accountability and Efficiency
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Museveni urged the newly appointed ministers to prioritise effective supervision, accountability and institutional efficiency.
The President also stressed the need for stronger oversight in government institutions and renewed efforts against corruption.
Those expectations place additional responsibility on Ayebare as he begins overseeing a ministry that coordinates Uganda’s relations with governments and international organisations around the world.
His performance will likely be measured not only by high-level diplomatic engagements but also by how effectively the ministry manages its missions, responds to Ugandans abroad and uses diplomacy to advance the country’s economic and strategic interests.
A New Chapter for Uganda’s Diplomacy
The arrival of Adonia Ayebare at the helm of the Foreign Affairs Ministry comes at an important moment for Uganda’s international relations.
The country is pursuing stronger regional integration while seeking investment, export markets and deeper partnerships with countries in Africa and beyond. The ministry’s official priorities continue to include diplomatic engagement and economic diplomacy.
Ayebare’s early message is centred on making the diplomatic service work more effectively from within.
Better communication, stronger support for missions, improved professionalism and greater coordination may sound like administrative reforms, but they can have a direct impact on Uganda’s standing abroad.
As he begins his tenure, attention will now turn to how quickly those commitments translate into changes across the ministry and Uganda’s diplomatic missions worldwide.
