Balaba Urges MPs to Demand Economic Returns From Uganda’s Diplomacy

What the report says

Rubanda West MP Bruce Balaba has urged Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee to judge Uganda’s diplomatic missions by concrete results, not just by the number of activities they carry out. Speaking at the close of the committee’s orientation retreat, he said lawmakers should look at whether missions help open export markets, attract investment, promote tourism, build commercial partnerships and protect Ugandans living or working abroad.

Balaba argued that parliamentary oversight of foreign affairs should be more substantive and linked to national development goals, including the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy. He said the committee should pay close attention to treaties, international agreements and protocols, and should also ask whether the institutions responsible for implementing them have the resources and capacity to deliver.

He also called for stronger scrutiny of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs budget and work plans, saying members should understand how resources are allocated and whether they produce value for money. In his view, Parliament should assess whether diplomatic posts are justified by their contribution to economic diplomacy and consular service, rather than maintaining missions without clear returns.

Balaba further emphasized the welfare of Ugandans abroad, especially migrant workers who may need legal, humanitarian or consular support. He said existing laws and policies should be reviewed to ensure citizens can access timely assistance and that their rights are protected. He also noted concern about delays in finalizing Uganda’s national foreign policy framework, according to the Nile Post report.