Politics 9 July 2026 Nile Post

Ggoobi Urges Diplomats: Focus on Investment, Exports, and Tourism Over Ceremony

Uganda's Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, has urged diplomats to prioritize tangible economic outcomes like investment, exports, and tourism over traditional diplomatic engagements. He emphasized that missions abroad are now crucial drivers of the nation's economic transformation, with funding tied to measurable performance. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/355126/deliver-dollars-not-ceremonial-engagements-ggoobi-tells-diplomats

Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), has issued a strong directive to Ugandan ambassadors and heads of missions, calling for a paradigm shift in their responsibilities. Speaking at a Ministry of Foreign Affairs retreat, Ggoobi stressed that diplomatic posts must evolve into engines of economic growth, concentrating on attracting foreign investment, significantly boosting exports, and aggressively promoting tourism.

He articulated that Uganda’s economic diplomacy can no longer be a mere appendage to political duties but must become the vanguard of the nation’s economic transformation. “Economic diplomacy is no longer a polite supplement to political duties; it is the frontline of Uganda’s economic transformation,” Ggoobi stated, highlighting the urgency of the new mandate.

The PSST urged diplomats to enhance their skills in critical areas such as trade analysis, investment mobilization, and investor follow-up. He underscored that Uganda’s foreign missions now play a direct and vital role in achieving the country’s ambitious economic objectives.

Furthermore, Ggoobi announced that the performance of these missions will be rigorously evaluated based on concrete results. Key metrics will include the value of secured investments, growth in export figures, increased tourism numbers, and the generation of foreign exchange. He also made it clear that future government funding for these missions will be directly contingent on their demonstrated ability to deliver these measurable economic outcomes.

“Budget prioritization will directly follow verifiable performance,” Ggoobi declared, signaling a new era of accountability. He explicitly challenged diplomats to shift their focus from ceremonial activities and diaspora engagement towards delivering demonstrable economic benefits for Uganda.

Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the enhanced collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with missions abroad to attract investment, expand trade, and support the national strategy for tenfold economic growth. This collaborative approach aims to transform Uganda into a $500 billion economy.