Uganda recently faced a series of setbacks as North Korea and Norway announced the closure of their respective embassies within the country. These announcements dealt a blow to Uganda, which has a history of dealing with diplomatic challenges on various fronts.
North Korea’s ambassador, Jong Tong Hak, conveyed in a statement that while their physical presence in Uganda was ending, their commitment to maintaining strong relations with the country would persist. The North Korean embassy in Uganda would transfer its operations to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, and the ambassador would present his credentials accordingly. Despite being isolated from many of Uganda’s international development partners, the two nations had maintained a close bond over the years.
Norway, on the other hand, announced the closure of its embassy in Uganda by 2024, citing “structural reforms” in its foreign service as the reason. These reforms aimed to concentrate and consolidate their diplomatic presence abroad, intending to better serve Norway’s national interests and enhance the effectiveness of its international engagement. The embassy in Uganda also covered Rwanda and Burundi, and this adjustment was part of a broader series of embassy closures by Norway in 2023.
The closure of these embassies will impact the coordination of certain activities and programs, as dedicated staff are typically responsible for these efforts. For instance, Norway had been deeply involved in Uganda’s Oil for Development program and the development of institutions related to the oil and gas sector. Additionally, Norway played a significant role in Uganda’s power sector, collaborating with various entities in the generation, rural electrification, and regulation of the sector. Moreover, Norway was part of the Troika, along with the U.K. and U.S., contributing to the peace process in South Sudan, in which Uganda was also involved.
As a result of these embassy closures, Ugandan diplomats face the challenge of establishing new relationships to continue the work that Uganda had been undertaking with North Korea and Norway. In the case of North Korea, Uganda had received instructors for the Kabalye Police Training School in Masindi district, which ceased due to pressure from Western countries. The instructors had been stationed in Uganda for years, and the country had also been purchasing arms from North Korea. However, a visit by South Korean President Park Geun-hye in 2016 prompted Uganda to align with UN sanctions against North Korea, leading to the cessation of military cooperation.
The diplomatic ties between Uganda and North Korea date back to Uganda’s independence in 1962. North Korean officials had been visiting Uganda since the time of Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. President Museveni, too, had cultivated strong ties with North Korea over the years, making multiple visits and engaging in various forms of cooperation. However, diplomatic ties persisted even after Uganda severed military partnerships with North Korea.
Amid these diplomatic challenges, the U.S. issued a business advisory in collaboration with the Departments of Labour, Health and Human Services, Commerce, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on October 23. This advisory warned U.S. businesses, individuals, and U.S. persons about potential risks associated with conducting or contemplating business in Uganda.
The business advisory highlighted the risks stemming from endemic corruption, violence against human rights activists, media members, health workers, minority groups, LGBTQI+ persons, and political opponents. Additionally, it mentioned that Uganda’s enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) had heightened restrictions on human rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and had exacerbated issues concerning leases and employment contracts.
The U.S. State Department’s 2023 Investment Climate Statement noted that while the Ugandan government welcomed foreign investment, its actions did not consistently align with its rhetoric. The report cited various challenges, including the closing of political and democratic space, poor economic management, corruption, growing sovereign debt, weak rule of law, protectionism, and inadequate investment in healthcare and education sectors.
Furthermore, the advisory pointed out that U.S. firms often faced competition from third-country firms that disregarded environmental regulations, labor rights, evaded taxes, and engaged in bribery. Shortages of skilled labor, a complicated land tenure system, and increased local content requirements were also cited as impediments to business growth and investment.
This business advisory followed a discussion within Uganda about the country’s image as a destination for business, particularly in comparison to its neighbors, Rwanda and Kenya. A viral video featured U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman pitching to American investors about the advantages of investing in Kenya. Uganda’s anti-gay laws have been a significant factor contributing to its diplomatic challenges, leading to high-ranking Ugandans being on a U.S. no-travel list and the suspension of World Bank loans.
In light of the political environment, American envoys in Uganda have focused on democracy, governance, healthcare, education, and civic engagement activities. As Uganda grapples with these diplomatic and business challenges, its diplomats will face the arduous task of navigating new diplomatic relationships and addressing ongoing international projects.
