Published on 10/05/2025
Parliament has raised concern over the absence of a documented foreign policy to guide Uganda’s international relations despite the crucial role such a framework plays in providing strategic direction and enhancing the country’s global standing.
The matter was raised by Catherine Lamwaka, Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, while presenting the Committee’s report on the 2025/26 Ministerial Policy Statement for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Missions Abroad in April 2025.
“The Committee reiterates its concern that, to date, Uganda lacks a documented foreign policy that would serve as a reference point for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign missions, and diplomatic staff in conducting bilateral and multilateral engagements,” Lamwaka said. “Such a document would provide strategic direction, enhance consistency in decision-making, and strengthen Uganda’s engagement on the global stage.”
While Uganda’s foreign policy objectives are outlined under Objective XXVIII of the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, Parliament noted that these remain broad principles which must be further developed into a comprehensive policy document.
Lamwaka informed the House that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had indicated ongoing consultations on the draft foreign policy, led by the Head of State in his role as the country’s chief diplomat. She urged the Ministry to expedite the process and finalize the policy.
MPs Demand Accountability
Reacting to the report, Bukimbiri County MP Eddie Kwizera questioned why the government had failed to produce a written foreign policy, as required by the Constitution.
“I want Government to tell us why they have failed to develop a written foreign policy. We should have copies to guide Parliament and the country,” Kwizera demanded.
Kashari South MP Nathan Itungo echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the implications for Uganda’s international labor negotiations.
“How do you negotiate for your workers without a foreign policy?” Itungo asked. “This isn’t about resources. How much money is needed to develop a foreign policy so we can allocate it?”
Youth MP for Northern Region, Boniface Okot, criticized the government’s repeated failure to act on Parliament’s recommendations.
“Year in, year out, this issue is flagged in every report from the Foreign Affairs Committee,” he said. “Uganda currently chairs both the G77 and the Non-Aligned Movement, yet we still don’t have a documented foreign policy. That’s embarrassing.”
Okot urged the Minister to resolve the matter during the term of the 11th Parliament, and also questioned whether the government planned to reclassify Uganda’s missions abroad in line with shifting geopolitical priorities.
“There are countries we once prioritized for peace and security, but today, trade is our main interest. When will we reclassify our missions accordingly?” he asked.
Kasilo County MP Elijah Okupa added, “Maybe there’s a problem we don’t know. The Minister should tell us what’s holding up the foreign policy so we can help.”
Minister Cites Funding Shortfall
In response, State Minister for Foreign Affairs John Mulimba attributed the delays to funding gaps, citing a UGX 238 billion budget shortfall.
“All these issues require funding,” he said. “If the Committee on Budget supports the provision of the required resources, we can improve the situation both at headquarters and in our missions abroad.”
Diaspora Policy
Lawmakers also expressed concern over the lack of a National Diaspora Policy. Lamwaka noted that while one of the Ministry’s core functions is to enhance diaspora participation in national development, the absence of a guiding framework undermines this effort.
“As a result, diaspora engagement is not consistently prioritized across most missions, leading to missed opportunities to harness their potential for national development,” she said.
The Ministry informed the Committee that the development of a diaspora policy is among its planned outputs for FY2025/26.
Parliament called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite the policy’s development to provide a clear, coordinated, and strategic framework for effective diaspora engagement.
