Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes Charles Ssentongo; Diaspora Department seeks stronger diaspora policy

What the report says

KAMPALA — Watchdog Uganda reports that Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing for a leadership transition after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni designated career diplomat Charles Ssentongo as Permanent Secretary, pending review by the Public Service Commission. The article says the change is part of wider public service reshuffles announced by the President in a letter dated November 5, 2026 and publicly referenced on November 8, 2026.

Within the ministry, officials from the Diaspora Department welcomed the nomination and described Ssentongo as someone with long experience in foreign service and familiarity with the institution. Ambassador Dickson Ogwang, speaking for the department, said the move could help give more attention to the needs of Ugandans living abroad. The report says the department sees the appointment as an opportunity to strengthen coordination around diaspora affairs.

The story also places the leadership change in the context of calls for a clearer national diaspora policy. According to the article, such a policy would help guide work on consular support, investment mobilization, skills transfer, engagement with diaspora groups and the reintegration of returning Ugandans. The department argues that Ugandans abroad should be treated as partners in development, given their role in remittances, business links and expertise.

Watchdog Uganda adds that Ssentongo joined the foreign ministry in 1990 and has served in London, Dar es Salaam and Washington, as well as in protocol roles. The broader reshuffle affects several ministries and institutions, with the Public Service Commission expected to assess the nominations before final appointments are made.