Category: English

Source: APO

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MOFPED), is convening the 1st Annual Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) Performance Review Retreat 2026 at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa from 16–18 September 2026 under the theme “From Performance Review to Institutional Commitments: Strengthening ECD Delivery and Opportunity Conversion.” The retreat brings together officials from the Ministry, Uganda’s Missions abroad, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and private-sector partners to review the implementation and performance of the ECD Strategy during FY2025/26 and strengthen the conversion of identified opportunities into tangible economic outcomes.

Opening the retreat on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of ECD and Regional Economic Cooperation, commended the teams, Uganda’s Missions abroad and partners for their efforts in implementing the ECD mandate. He noted that approximately US$35 million was invested in the programme in 2026, while returns presented at the retreat were projected at almost four times that amount. “ECD is a collective responsibility,” Amb. Kabonero said, emphasising the need for continued collaboration among the Ministry, Missions, MDAs and the private sector. He added that Uganda had successfully completed the ECD pilot phase and was now moving into full-scale implementation.

Mr. Moses Kabanda, Commissioner for Public Administration at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, said the review provides an opportunity to assess what was planned against what was delivered, including opportunities generated, converted, remaining active or lost. He noted progress in using Uganda’s Missions to advance trade, investment, tourism and strategic partnerships, while highlighting challenges including uneven performance across Missions, limited follow-up, gaps in market intelligence, standards and export readiness, and delays in institutional responses. “The focus should now be on practical solutions, clear responsibilities and timelines,” he urged.

Mr. Ashaba Hannighton, Director of Budget at Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Developmant, called for a results-oriented approach to ECD, stressing that diplomatic engagements should translate into exports, productive investment, jobs, business opportunities and increased government revenue. He emphasised that ECD financing should increasingly be linked to performance, clear priorities and measurable results, noting that Government must ensure value for money amid competing resource demands. “ECD is an instrument for delivering the country’s economic transformation agenda,” he said.

The performance review highlighted growth across key areas of Uganda’s economic diplomacy. Export value increased from US$7.8 billion in FY2023/24 to US$15.8 billion in FY2025/26, while FDI increased from US$3.0 billion to US$3.6 billion between FY2023/24 and FY2024/25. Tourist arrivals rose from 1.27 million in 2023 to 1.64 million in 2025, while diaspora remittances increased from US$1.51 billion to US$2.55 billion over the same period.

Reporting on the status of opportunities identified by Missions, Amb. Arthur Kafeero, deputy head of Mission, Uganda embassy in Geneva highlighted the importance of systematic opportunity management. The review assessed 52 opportunities across more than 10 Missions, covering investment, trade, climate financing and other priority areas. He stressed the need to track opportunities from identification through engagement, negotiation and eventual realisation, with clear ownership, timelines, prospective partner details, value and next steps.

The review also identified key constraints affecting ECD delivery, including standards and quality compliance, Non-Tariff Barriers, infrastructure limitations, weak market intelligence, low private-sector competitiveness, inconsistent supply and aggregation systems, limited bankable projects, inadequate economic data and slow institutional responses to opportunities, leads, MoUs and agreements.

The retreat will continue with discussions on trade, exports and market access, tourism, investment, technology transfer and strategic partnerships. Participants will develop the 2026/27 annual ECD plan and an implementation matrix outlining priority actions, responsible institutions and timelines, with emphasis on stronger follow-up, institutional ownership and converting opportunities identified by Uganda’s Missions into measurable economic outcomes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

A potable water project has been put in place in Embeito, Mai-Aini sub-zone, at a cost of over 2.3 million Nakfa.

Mr. Kibrom Misgina, head of water resources in the Southern Region, said that the project, implemented through community participation and Government support, included a well, a reservoir with a capacity of 125 barrels of water, four water distribution centers, about 2 km of pipeline, and a solar power system.

Mr. Haile Tesfamariam, head of water development in Embeito, said that the project involved labor valued at 1.5 million Nakfa and expenditure of over 876,000 Nakfa. He commended the water resources professionals and residents of Embeito for their significant contributions to the successful implementation of the project.

The residents, noting that their efforts in collaboration with regional water resources officials had secured a potable water supply for their village, expressed readiness to strengthen their participation in and contributions to similar development programs.

Congratulating the residents on the successful implementation of the project, Mr. Afwerki Russom, administrator of the sub-zone, said that the community’s coordination and commitment will serve as an example to other villages.

Mr. Afwerki further noted that the strong public participation in the project will encourage the implementation of similar projects. He also called for proper water management to ensure the sustainability of the project.

Embeito, home to over 700 people, is one of the villages in the Teklabi administrative area and is located about 13 kilometers north of Mai-Aini semi-urban center.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a message of congratulations to Her Excellency Claudia Sheinbaum, President of the United Mexican States, on the occasion of Mexico’s 205th Independence Day, celebrated on September 16, 2026.

According to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Boakai, in his message to his Mexican counterpart, extended heartfelt felicitations and best wishes to the Government and people of the United Mexican States on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in his own name.

“As you commemorate another milestone in your nation’s history, we recall vividly the historic bonds of friendship that exist between our two countries and peoples, which can be further strengthened and enhanced,” President Boakai stated.

The Liberian leader noted that, as a bilateral partner, Liberia remains committed to engaging positively with Mexico to strengthen and build upon the existing framework of bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Boakai also prayed that President Claudia Sheinbaum would continue to be endowed with wisdom, good health, and happiness as she leads the people of Mexico.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

Source: APO

Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation submitted a draft of the National Data Value Creation Blue-Print Lesotho in Maseru.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Mabatho Lithebe said the draft to the national ecosystem for validation across four key areas, and those are the strategic Framework. She said the aim was to review the national vision, the theory of change, the strategic pillars and the consolidated findings of the ecosystem diagnostic.

The other area, she said was the Use Case Strategy which the focus was to examine the taxonomy, prioritization methods and criteria, the value-feasibility matrix, the ranked national portfolio and the selection of three to five flagship use cases.

She also mentioned priorities and sequence which she said the aim is to evaluate the enabling infrastructure and shared platforms required by the priority use cases, confirming the dependencies that condition their deployment.

In addition, Record Validation Decisions are to determine whether all outcomes have been documented, validated, amended or deferred or complete with assigned owners and deadlines for finalizing the Blueprint.

Ms. Lithebe further noted that this event was crucial as Lesotho is no longer just navigating the Data Value Creation Blueprint but is actively shaping it together.

When guiding the attendants of the validation workshop, Mr. Musa Honlue, Project Manager Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA) said the project was done in three levels of analysis that include the National Blueprint, Roadmap and Portfolio and Priority Use Cases.

Honlue indicated that these levels are distinct from the design building blocks which include context, content, operationalization and products.

The validation workshop was a result of a July meeting that initiated the whole Blueprint with the purpose of putting Lesotho at the international level in the digital landscape.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

Source: APO

The Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with Kelana Jaya Running Club organized the Annual Rotary Cancer Run at the Malaysia Tourism Centre in Kuala Lumpur on 6th September 2026. The event attracted over 200 Ugandans in Malaysia and the ASEAN Region; and well wishers.  Ugandan students from different regions of Malaysia also participated.

The Annual Rotary Cancer Run is organized by Rotary Uganda, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with Missions abroad, has consistently supported the Rotary Cancer Run. 60+ Mini runs are hosted globally by Uganda’s Missions abroad and Rotary Clubs in the diaspora in support and solidarity of this great cause of fighting cancer. A moment of silence was observed for the passing of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro Kingdom. The Annual Rotary Cancer Run is spearheaded by Rotary Clubs in Uganda. This flagship initiative promotes cancer awareness, treatment and advances public health and wellness. The 15th edition was held last week on Sunday, 30th August 2026 in Kampala. Proceeds from each edition continue to fund ongoing health initiatives, including those requiring additional support.

 H.E. Dr. Betty Bigombe, High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda to Malaysia and the ASEAN Region emphasized that, the Rotary Cancer Run also provides an opportunity to gather together as Ugandans and friends of Uganda in Malaysia and the ASEAN region, not only to support the fight against cancer but also to collaborate in the development of Uganda. Nations are built by their people and Uganda has placed a renewed focus on Economic and Commercial Diplomacy, of which the Diaspora is a major pillar. We seek to make meaningful partnerships and collaboration along the key sectors of Agro-Industrialization; Tourism Development; Mineral-Based Development(including Oil and Gas); and Science, Technology and Innovation (ATMS), for mutual benefit and towards the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy. The Uganda High Commission also seeks to bring services closer to the diaspora by providing consular services as well as building on such interactions among others to build synergies for the growth and development of Uganda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia.

Source: APO

A senior Eritrean delegation composed of Mr. Hagos Gebrehiwet, Head of PFDJ Economic Affairs, and Mr. Nesredin Mohammed Saleh, Minister of Trade and Industry, held talks with Mr. Majid bin Abdullah, Minister of Commerce of Saudi Arabia.

The meeting, held this afternoon, focused on enhancing trade and investment.

The senior Eritrean delegation held similar meetings with Mr. Waleed Alkhereiji, Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 15 September, and with senior officials of the Saudi Ministry of Energy and the Saudi National Oil Company (ARAMCO) on 14 September.

The meetings featured extensive discussions on issues and developments of mutual interest to the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

The Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has resolved to summon businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba to appear in person after he failed to attend its Wednesday sitting to explain a disputed Shs140 billion Bank of Uganda guarantee.

The decision, taken after a lengthy debate over a request for more time from Basajjabalaba’s lawyers, Magina Advocates, on Wednesday 16th September 2026.

The committee chaired by Kyandondo East MP Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, examined the roles of Basajjabalaba’s Haba Group, the Central Bank and other parties that may emerge during the investigation.

Basajjabalaba had been expected to answer questions concerning the recovery of the Shs140 billion guaranteed by the bank in 2017.

Instead, a legal representative, Calvin Ojambo appeared and requested for another time of appearance. The lawyer said that they received Parliament’s invitation late on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, and that their client was indisposed and required additional time to access documents relating to transactions conducted between 2009 and 2011.

The lawyer noted that the issues raised had previously been the subject of litigation and requested that their client appears on 23 or 24 September, 2026.

While some MPs supported granting additional time, others questioned whether the delay could become a means of avoiding parliamentary scrutiny.

Hon. Martin Kisule (Buzaaya County) questioned why Parliament had served the summons through a law firm and not directly to Basajjabalaba, whose address was known.

The Chairperson, Hon. Nkunyingi, said that the immediate question, was whether the committee should grant the request for more time and determine the appropriate next steps.

“At this level it is investigative level,” Nkunyingi said, emphasising that the committee would examine the roles of all parties before making findings.

The MPs urged caution over what they described as a recurring pattern of non-attendance.

Hon. Nkunyingi, stressed that the committee’s central concern was to establish what happened to the public funds and the circumstances surrounding the Bank of Uganda guarantee.

The committee has now scheduled Basajjabalaba to appear on 23 September 2026. The new summons will be served through a police officer and will require Basajjabalaba to appear in person.

At the heart of the inquiry is the recovery of Shs140 billion guaranteed by Bank of Uganda in 2017. The precise contractual terms of the guarantee, the parties’ obligations, the basis for the central bank’s involvement and the status of recovery are matters that require clarification through the committee’s investigation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

The Ministry of Education, through the Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) Project, has completed a stakeholder review and validation of the revised Academic Calendar for Kindergarten through Grade 2 and primary schools under the Foundational Learning Program.

The one-day EXCEL Project activity brought together Ministry technical teams, county education officials, representatives of public and private school systems, development partners, and project staff to review the proposed calendar and ensure it responds to the practical needs of schools.

Participants examined key academic periods, holidays, examinations, major school activities, and proposed timetables, while identifying areas requiring adjustment before final approval.

The validated calendar will now move toward finalization, publication, and nationwide dissemination. Once approved, it is expected to guide academic planning and school operations for the next three years, providing schools with greater consistency and predictability in organizing teaching and learning.

The activity forms part of the EXCEL Project’s support to foundational learning, helping the Ministry strengthen how instructional time is planned, protected, and used across schools.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Education: Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO

Becoming a soldier and serving his country had always been Captain Mengistu Mathius’s dream. But along the way, he took up mechanics, a skill that has become just as central to who he is today.

The Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) officer leads the maintenance unit for Sector 3 troops under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in Baidoa.

“I joined the military 26 years ago. I always dreamed of becoming a soldier and serving my country,” he said.

But his journey didn’t begin in uniform. Before joining the military, Capt. Mengistu worked for three years as a civilian mechanic, skills that would later prove invaluable in his service.

More than two decades on, that early experience continues to shape his work. Even now, despite his leadership role, he is never far from the tools of his trade.

While frontline operations often draw the most attention, Capt. Mengistu’s work is behind the scenes. Every day, he and his team ensure that vehicles run, weapons function, and troops can move when it matters most.

“My role is to maintain and repair vehicles and equipment so that the troops can carry out their duties without interruption,” he explained.

A typical day for Capt. Mengistu begins early in the workshop – he checks in on his team, making sure everything is running smoothly. But he doesn’t just supervise; he rolls up his sleeves and works alongside them.

In a mission like AUSSOM, no unit works alone. Capt. Mengistu’s team coordinates closely with United Nations maintenance personnel and regional partners, sharing skills and support whenever needed.

“We have a good working relationship with the United Nations maintenance team as well as those from the regional administration. We help each other whenever necessary,” he added.

The demands of the mission are constant, and the conditions can be unforgiving. During the El Niño, the challenges intensified. Roads became difficult to navigate, and vehicles struggled to move through mud and floodwater.

“Our biggest challenge came during the rains when most of the vehicles struggle to move about. We had to put a lot of effort into our tasks every day in terms of maintenance and repairs. We learnt a lot of lessons and adapted to the harsh weather conditions,” he said.

It was a test of endurance but also a lesson in adaptation. His team adjusted, learned and kept going. Through it all, what keeps him motivated is a strong sense of responsibility.

“My duty to serve my country and do my work well, that is my biggest motivation,” Capt. Mengistu added.

For him, the impact of his work goes beyond the workshop. By keeping equipment operational, he plays a direct role in supporting peace and security, something he believes is essential for the people of Somalia.

“We have impacted hugely on the community here especially in maintaining peace and security; this is our biggest impact because it’s important for the local community to have peace and stability,” he noted.

Capt. Mengistu’s work is not one that often makes headlines. But without it, much of what happens on the frontlines would be impossible.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Source: APO

Twenty-four Liberian Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) professionals have departed for advanced training in Kenya and Ghana under the European Union-funded Youth Rising Project, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The approximately 18-month training programs will strengthen their technical, pedagogical, and professional competencies in areas directly linked to Liberia’s skills-development and workforce needs.

Participants traveling to Kenya will pursue specialized training in Culinary Arts, Event Management, and Hospitality Operations, while those assigned to Ghana will undertake advanced studies in Welding and Fabrication and Fashion Design.

Speaking at the pre-departure ceremony, Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah thanked the European Union and UNIDO for their continued partnership and described the initiative as an important investment in Liberia’s human capital.

She emphasized that the value of the training will be seen when participants return and apply their knowledge within Liberia’s TVET institutions, strengthening instruction and transferring skills to other instructors and students.

Upon completion, the beneficiaries are expected to serve in selected TVET institutions across the country.

The initiative supports the Ministry of Education’s TVET priority by strengthening the quality of technical instruction and expanding the pool of skilled professionals needed to prepare young Liberians for employment, entrepreneurship, and national development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Education: Republic of Liberia.