The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, has urged ambassadors and heads of missions to play a vital role in boosting Uganda’s economic growth through innovative branding and marketing strategies. Speaking at a retreat for ambassadors and heads of missions at the Civil Service College in Jinja, Mr. Ggoobi highlighted the significance of attracting tourists and investors to support the country’s 10-fold growth strategy. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing tourism as a key area for ambassadors abroad, aiming to double the economy every five years despite challenges. Mr. Ggoobi presented an overview of Uganda’s economic growth, noting a recovery in GDP growth to 6% in FY 2023/24 from 3% in FY 2019/20, attributing the rebound to good macroeconomic management, favorable weather, and global economic conditions. He projected further growth to reach 6.4% in the current year and at least 7% in the medium term.
With a focus on the 10-fold growth strategy, including oil and gas production, Mr. Ggoobi outlined action plans in areas such as agro-industrial development, tourism, minerals, oil, gas, science, technology, ICT, and innovation. He discussed financing options and urged ambassadors to collaborate in promoting economic growth and achieving the country’s growth targets. He emphasized the importance of consensus on policies and goals, disciplined execution, preservation of natural capital, infrastructure development, and skill enhancement.
Focusing on the impact of his Ministry’s efforts, Foreign Affairs PS Vincent Bagiire highlighted projects like the Jinja Bridge and the Karamoja airport facilitated by Uganda’s embassies. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized aligning the Ministry’s work with Uganda’s development framework and driving economic growth through foreign policy. He stressed economic and commercial diplomacy as key drivers and encouraged ambassadors to promote value addition, industrialization, and trade. The conference aims to enhance mission performance, encourage innovation, share knowledge, and promote peace and security.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.