In a significant move to streamline diplomatic expenditures, President Yoweri Museveni has directed Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reduce the number of its embassies from 38 to approximately 15. The decision aims to cut costs and enhance the efficiency of Uganda’s foreign missions.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. John Mulimba, announced that the government will assess which embassies provide substantial returns on investment and which are underperforming. Priority will be given to missions in regions with high consular service demand, such as Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and India, where many Ugandan migrant workers reside. To support repatriation efforts, emergency funding of Shs1.2 billion for the mission in New Delhi and Shs367 million for Kuala Lumpur has been proposed.
Parallel Developments in U.S. Foreign Policy
Concurrently, the United States is considering a substantial reduction in its diplomatic presence abroad. The Trump administration has proposed halving the State Department’s budget and significantly cutting foreign aid. This proposal includes the potential closure of up to 30 U.S. missions, primarily in Africa and Europe. An internal memo suggests shutting down at least 27 missions, including 10 embassies and several consulates, as part of efforts to reduce federal spending .
Former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed that President Trump had previously expressed a desire to close all American embassies in Africa, aiming to withdraw diplomatic personnel from the continent . While not all closures have been finalized, embassies in countries such as Eritrea, South Sudan, and Malta are reportedly under consideration .
Implications for Uganda and Global Diplomacy
The potential closure of U.S. embassies in Africa, including in Uganda, raises concerns about the future of diplomatic relations and support for American citizens abroad. Such reductions could impact consular services, economic ties, and collaborative efforts on various fronts.
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As both Uganda and the United States reassess their diplomatic footprints, the international community watches closely, recognizing the profound effects these decisions may have on global diplomacy and international cooperation.
