Ugandans urged to lead in promoting country’s image
By Winfred Watenya
Ugandans have been asked to rise high above the negative portrayal of the country’s image as one of the ways to not only show their patriotism but also make it an attractive destination for investment and tourism.
The media has been awash with news of the reported inappropriate behaviour of Uganda’s representatives to diplomatic missions in Canada and Dubai (UAE), largely portraying what has been termed as a “negative image” of the country.
However, speaking to NTV on Monday morning, Ahmed Hadji, a foreign policy analyst and Executive Director, Center for Policy and Strategic Studies (CPSS) said these are isolated incidents that should not be used as a yardstick for the health and stability of Uganda’s diplomatic infrastructure.
He added that even while investigations into the two incidents continue, Ugandans need to be at the forefront of promoting a positive national image.
“I think it is our job as Ugandans to raise beyond the headlines. These isolated cases are not a representation of the entire diplomatic space. Our job as citizen diplomats is to speak good of our country even when we feel certain things are not working out,” he said.
He also emphasized the need to professionalise Uganda’s diplomacy with focus on a review of how diplomats are identified, prepared, and deployed and setting clear measurable targets that are in line with the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
Foreign affairs state minister Okello Oryem also confirmed earlier that the Canadian government had indeed declared Ambassador Joy Ruth Acheng persona non grata over alleged inappropriate behaviour, and would return to the country on Wednesday this week and wait for the President to determine her fate.
He however quickly added that Canada’s decision would not in any way affect its relations with Uganda.
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