High Commissioner Joy Ruth Acheng’s Controversy: A Wake-Up Call for Uganda’s Diplomatic Standards - By Wabusimba Amiri.

Recent controversies involving Ugandan diplomats, Joy Ruth Acheng, the High Commissioner to Canada, highlight significant issues regarding the appointment and conduct of diplomats. These concerns extend beyond administrative efficiency and reflect a broader crisis affecting Uganda’s diplomatic effectiveness and the integrity of its Foreign Service. As Wabusimba Amiri, both a diplomatic student and journalist, I believe it is crucial to address these challenges and advocate for reforms to restore credibility and effectiveness to Uganda’s diplomatic efforts.

Diplomats represent their countries abroad, tasked with building international relationships and advancing national interests. The core of diplomacy is impartiality; diplomats must navigate complex international landscapes without becoming entangled in domestic politics or partisan conflicts. This neutrality is essential for maintaining trust and credibility in diplomatic engagements. Joy Ruth Acheng’s involvement in partisan politics while serving as Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada represents a breach of these principles and my led to persona non grant by the host country. Such behavior risks damaging Uganda’s relationship with Canada and undermining the credibility of Uganda’s entire diplomatic corps. The repercussions extend beyond Canada, affecting how other nations perceive and interact with Uganda on the global stage.

Historical examples further illustrate the consequences of diplomats engaging in partisan politics or being appointed based on political connections. In the early 2000s, U.S. Ambassador Charles “Chuck” C. Johnson faced tensions with his host country due to his political affiliations, which strained diplomatic relations and led to his reassignment. Similarly, Brazil’s 2015 appointment of SérgioAmaral as ambassador to the UK, criticized for its political motivations, affected diplomatic relations with the UK and sparked debates about appointment transparency. In recent years, Russia’s involvement in domestic politics and election interference in EU countries led to expulsions and sanctions, emphasizing the severe consequences of breaching diplomatic norms. These global examples highlight the importance of adhering to diplomatic standards and maintaining impartiality to avoid strained relations and other negative outcomes.

For Uganda, restoring diplomatic integrity through merit-based appointments is crucial. Diplomatic roles should be filled based on qualifications and experience rather than political favoritism. A commitment to neutrality is vital, as diplomats must focus on fostering positive international relations without engaging in domestic political issues. Reforming appointment practices and upholding diplomatic standards will help Uganda avoid the pitfalls experienced by other countries and enhance its diplomatic effectiveness. By learning from these global precedents, Uganda can improve its international reputation and ensure that its diplomatic efforts are conducted with the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality.

Uganda’s appointment practices have long been criticized for favoring political connections over merit. This often results in a mismatch between the skills needed and those possessed by appointees, compromising the effectiveness of diplomatic missions. For instance, the appointment of a former Ugandan Ambassador to South Sudan, who lacked the necessary diplomatic skills, underscores the negative impact of non-merit-based appointments. This misalignment can severely affect Uganda’s diplomatic effectiveness. The lack of competent diplomatic representation in neighboring countries like Kenya further exacerbates these challenges. Kenya’s strategic importance in regional stability and bilateral relations with Uganda highlights the need for skilled diplomats who can effectively manage these interactions. Without effective representation, Uganda risks missing crucial diplomatic and economic opportunities.

To address these challenges, the Ugandan government must reform its approach to diplomatic appointments. Selecting diplomats based on their qualifications, experience, and diplomatic skills, rather than political loyalty, will enhance the effectiveness of Uganda’s diplomatic missions and ensure that its international interests are well represented. Merit-based appointments are fundamental to maintaining the credibility and integrity of Uganda’s Foreign Service and achieving more effective international engagement. By ensuring that appointments are based on merit, Uganda can improve its diplomatic outcomes and strengthen its global position.

Reforming appointment practices is only part of the solution. It is also essential for Uganda to reaffirm its commitment to diplomatic norms and ethical standards. Diplomats must serve as exemplars of professionalism, adhering to principles that reflect the values and interests of their nation. For example, Uganda’s previous success in securing environmental agreements demonstrates the positive impact of high ethical standards in diplomacy. Ensuring that all diplomats adhere to these principles will enhance Uganda’s international reputation and build stronger, more productive relationships with other nations.

The issues facing Uganda’s diplomatic service, as highlighted by Joy Ruth Acheng’s case, underscore the urgent need for reform and adherence to diplomatic standards. The Ugandan government must prioritize merit-based appointments to ensure that its diplomatic missions are led by competent professionals. Additionally, a renewed commitment to diplomatic norms and ethical standards is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of Uganda’s Foreign Service. Addressing these issues will not only improve Uganda’s diplomatic effectiveness but also restore trust and respect in its international relations.

Bio.
Diplomatic Student, Journalist, political analyst and Human Right activist.