Amb. Dickson Ogwang

Hearty Congratulations to Amb. Charles Ssentongo on Your Appointment as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs! I extend my warmest revolutionary congratulations to Ambassador Charles Ssentongo on your well-deserved appointment by H.E. the President @KagutaMuseveni as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs @mofpedU This elevated deployment is a profound testament to your distinguished service, steadfast discipline, and institutional memory. Since your return from Washington, D.C. in 2011 to date, your tenure as Chief of Protocol has demonstrated diplomatic finesse, precision, and an exceptional dedication to national duty. Having served our nation across vital diplomatic fronts, your vast experience within the Foreign Service inspires immense confidence. We have every conviction that this rich background will make your steerage of the Ministry seamless and impactful as you transition into the Office of the Permanent Secretary. In the same vein, I convey deep appreciation to the Hon. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa for his dedicated leadership, stewardship, and the visible transformation registered across the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his tour of duty. His contributions have left an indelible mark on institutional efficiency, and I wish him Godspeed and continued success in his subsequent national assignments. I also extend warm congratulations to all the other newly appointed senior officials. May your tenure in your respective dockets be marked by impactful service, dedication, and a successful Tour of Duty for the advancement of our motherland. Above all, we salute H.E. the President, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his enduring, visionary leadership and ideological clarity. The strategic deployment of proven, disciplined cadres to anchor critical national institutions reflects an unwavering commitment to achieving the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy and driving the socio-economic transformation of Uganda. May your leadership at the Ministry continue to project Uganda’s sovereign interests on the global stage, advance economic and commercial diplomacy, and propel our nation toward middle-income prosperity. For God and My Country! – at Kampala, Uganda

Mr D's RELATIONAL WISDOM Words create worlds, and over the years, I have learned that the way we frame our reach determines whether we build an open bridge or erect a defensive wall. Consider the ancient account in the Garden. The very first question directed at man was, "Where are you?" Even in paradise, that question carried the heavy tone of an investigation, and Adam withdrew to hide. Too often in our daily interactions, with our spouses, our children, or our friends, we fall into the trap of sounding like prosecutors rather than partners. When we reach out, do our inquiries sound like an investigative cross-examination, or do they offer a welcoming sanctuary? I have found that asking a spouse, "Where are you?" can inadvertently feel like a summons. But reframing that intention changes the entire atmosphere: Instead of an investigative probe, speak from affection: "I was just thinking about you, I miss you, honey." "You crossed my mind today, and I’m looking forward to seeing you later." "Just checking in to let you know you're loved." The very same principle holds true when speaking with our children and close friends. When our questions feel like an interrogation of their movements or actions, human nature compels them to pull back and defend. But when our outreach is an earnest, loving search for relationship, they naturally lean in. A home must never be mistaken for a courtroom, and love should never resemble surveillance. Let us intentionally trade suspicion for warmth, and investigation for connection. A happy New Week to yo all! #MrDsRelationalWisdom #RelationalWisdom #IntentionalLiving #CommunicationWithGrace #MarriageAndFamily #LeadershipAndLife

An African proverb reminds us: “When a chief walks into the village square, drums must sound; but when a true brother sits at your hearth, the fire simply burns warmer.” Hon. @NobertMao, Chairman, my brother, and comrade: Thank you for gracing my birthday celebration and officially launching my memoir, The Coldest Winter: A Diplomat’s Journey Through the Frost, at the Marriott Hotel, Nsambya. Your presence was not mere ministerial decorum; it was a masterclass in brotherhood. You cracked our ribs with legendary wit, yet grounded the room in deep, unshakeable wisdom. Listening to you speak was like taking a refreshing sip from an ancient calabash of intellect - potent, poetic, and utterly disarming. Between your banter with your dear friend Dr. Theo and your generous tributes to our journey, you melted every ounce of frost that ever dared to linger in the room. Titles are heavy robes that we take off at sundown, but true brotherhood is stitched directly into the soul. I will long treasure your words and the bond we share: that I am not merely a companion to the Hon. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, but deeply blessed to call Mao, the man, a brother and a friend. May the ink in your pen never run dry, your fountain of wisdom never wither, and our shared path of service continue to yield fruit for the land we love. My profound gratitude, Chairman! #TheColdestWinter #BrotherhoodBeyondTitles #Gratitude #DiplomacyAndFriendship

Echoes of the Tang, Wisdom of the Han - Finding Common Ground in Nanchang 🌕✨ From the Han Dynasty relics of the Haihun Marquis to the legendary Tengwang Pavilion on the Gan River, my Mid-Autumn journey through Jiangxi brought the living pulse of Chinese civilizational depth into sharp focus. Walking among 2,000-year-old bronze bells and ancient jade offered a masterclass in institutional endurance: to truly understand the tree, you must study the roots. The crescendo? A classical Tang Dynasty banquet where each course arrived to the chime of bells, the evocative strings of the guzheng, and court dance - a vibrant reminder of the Confucian truth that rites and music achieve harmony, and that genuine cultural hospitality is statecraft at its zenith. Grateful to pair classical heritage with forward-looking Uganda–China Diplomacy! 🇺🇬🤝🇨🇳 #CulturalDiplomacy #Nanchang #MidAutumn #Statecraft #TangDynasty #UgandaChina

Today in Beijing, I had the distinct honor of engaging with Justice GAO Xiaoli, Vice President of the Supreme People’s Court of China, during a high-level judicial exchange. I am currently participating in the prestigious Peking University – Dongfang Scholarship Program, representing Uganda alongside 56 other leaders and scholars from 57 nations across the globe. The academic and diplomatic engagements have been deeply enriching, and our discussions at the Supreme People’s Court offered a profound, firsthand comparative perspective on contemporary jurisprudence and governance. During our dialogue, Justice Gao shared invaluable insights into how China conceptualizes jurisprudence through the lens of the Socialist Rule of Law with Chinese Characteristics. Distinct from Western liberal models founded on strict tripartite separation of powers, the Chinese judicial apparatus operates as a vital pillar of national governance under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Several foundational pillars defined our discussion: 1. The Rule of Law - The judiciary functions within a unified state structure under the National People’s Congress (NPC), with the PRC Constitution serving as the supreme legal authority and the Party providing political and policy guidance. 2. Substantive Justice - Judicial practice emphasizes "Justice for the People," prioritizing substantive outcomes, dispute resolution, anti-corruption safeguards, and social harmony through the integration of statutory law and moral values. 3. Whole - Process People’s Democracy - Democratic participation within the legal system is reflected through citizen engagement, such as the People’s Assessor System, and public access initiatives via open digital judgment databases and institutionalized community mediation. As a lawyer - former Prosecutor, diplomat, and scholar, cross-jurisprudential dialogues like these are essential. Understanding diverse constitutional and judicial philosophies broadens our capacity to foster effective bilateral legal cooperation, multilateral understanding, and sustainable governance frameworks that serve our people. I extend my appreciation to our hosts at Peking University, the Dongfang Scholarship, and the Supreme People’s Court of China for this illuminating engagement. Dickson Ogwang Okul Lawyer | Diplomat | Scholar BEIJING, CHINA #Diplomacy #RuleOfLaw #JudicialExchange #PekingUniversity #DongfangScholarship #UgandaInChina #ComparativeLaw #Governance #InternationalLaw – at North Korea

It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that, on behalf of Pala Ocol – Lango Chiefdom and on my own behalf, I convey our deepest condolences upon the passing of His Royal Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, which occurred on the night of 27th August 2026. We stand in solemn solidarity with the Royal Family, the Babiito clan, the Kingdom of Tooro, and the entire nation of Uganda as we mourn the setting of a great light and the departure of an illustrious cultural leader. We profoundly cherish the enduring friendship and fraternal cooperation we shared with His Majesty. His reign was defined by an unwavering dedication to the socio-economic transformation of our communities and Uganda at large. We fondly recall His Majesty’s historic and gracious visit to our community in Ayer, Kole District, where he engaged warmly with our people to exchange insights on modern fish farming, commercial agriculture, and youth empowerment. His Majesty’s rare blend of wisdom, humility, modern vision, and deep reverence for cultural heritage left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with him. In this hour of national grief, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to: 1. Her Royal Highness Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, praying that the Almighty grants her divine solace, courage, and fortitude. 2. The Royal Family (Ababiito and Ababitokati), the Regents, and the Kingdom Cabinet. 3. The People of Tooro Kingdom (Abatooro), whose champion and guardian has transitioned to the realm of the ancestors. 4. All Traditional and Cultural Institutions in Uganda, the Government of the Republic of Uganda, and all citizens who mourn this monumental loss. May the Almighty God grant strength, unity, and peace to the Kingdom of Tooro as you observe the sacred traditional and state rites of passage. May His Royal Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV rest in eternal, glorious peace. – at Kampala, Uganda

Pan-African solidarity must be measured by how we protect our people across borders. Watching Senator Muhammad Danduste Muntari (Head of the Nigerian Delegation to the 55th CPA Africa Region Conference in Malawi) speak with such passion against the violence, mistreatment, and loss of African lives in sister nations resonated deeply with me. His call for genuine accountability, regional integration, and the true protection of all Africans across the continent touches the very core of our shared mission. Having recently coordinated and executed the emergency evacuation of our fellow Ugandans, his words struck an immediate personal chord. True African unity, free movement, and economic integration can only flourish when the safety, dignity, and basic human rights of every African citizen abroad are non-negotiable. I look forward to hosting and engaging with the Senator at Kampala tomorrow Sunday August 16, 2026 as we exchange perspectives on regional diplomacy, diaspora protection, business and strengthening bilateral collaboration for the safety and prosperity of our people. #PanAfricanism #CPAAfrica #LeadershipInAction #Diplomacy #CitizenProtection #Uganda #Nigeria #DiasporaMatters – at Kampala, Uganda

Officially a Foreign Policy Executive Fellow of the Lincoln Institute of Diplomacy & International Relations, Class 2 of 2026. Graduation 🎓 awaits come September! Deep gratitude to our "Simple Teacher," Prof. Ahmed, for an exceptional journey. As a FSO, Lawyer with Masters in Diplomacy & International Relations, I found this program a profound knowledge enhancer of modern foreign policy dynamics. Key takeaways: 🇺🇬 A deeper perspective on Uganda’s non-aligned, autonomous foreign policy Doctrines. Watch our for my next book on this! 🏗️ Appreciation of US-Uganda relations and curated top-tier faculty. 🌍 A broader geopolitical lens on events in Hormuz & the GCC impacting local dynamics. Special thanks to Dean Carol for dedicated service, and an honor to learn from Mr. @jacobsurace , @USEmbassyUganda CDA. Interacting with a colleague, Senior Foreign Service Officer who powerfully demonstrated why America remains a vital partner for Uganda was a distinct highlight. 🙏🏽 #ForeignPolicy #Diplomacy #LIDIR #Kampala #UG #USUgandaRelations #CareerMilestone – at Kampala, Uganda

From Global to Local community rebuilding in Northern Uganda, and now back to the world stage. 🌍 Yesterday at @UgandaMFA , we officially celebrated H.E. the President’s nomination of Ambassador Olara Otunnu for @UN Secretary-General. Here is why he is the right pick: 1. Proven UN Mastery Ambassador Otunnu isn't just familiar with international diplomacy; he shaped it. As former Security Council President, he devised the famous "Otunnu Formula" (1981), unlocking a deadlocked Security Council. He knows the mechanics of multilateralism inside out. 2. Moral Authority & Child Protection As UN Special Rep for Children & Armed Conflict, he spearheaded UN @SecurityCouncil Res. 1612, creating concrete tools to protect children in conflict zones globally. He has always been a tireless voice for the most vulnerable. 3. Grounded in the "Local" True diplomacy requires empathy. After years in global governance, he returned home to help heal and rebuild communities devastated by conflict in Northern Uganda. He carries both Oxford/Harvard rigor and grassroots understanding. 4. A Consensus Builder for a Divided World At a moment when international institutions face deep fragmentation, @OlaraOlara brings a lifetime track record as a bridge-builder - from Foreign Minister to President of the International Peace Institute. 5. Uganda stands proudly behind Ambassador Olara Otunnu as he steps forward to restore trust, strength, and compassion to global governance. 🇺🇬🇺🇳 Watch his journey from Uganda to the UN: youtube.com/watch?v=8d__YP… #Diplomacy #Uganda #UnitedNations #OlaraOtunnu #UNSG – at Kampala, Uganda

"Never forget: nothing is more powerful than prayer, nothing is stronger than faith, and nothing is greater than God." ​A insightful engagement with Steven Rutasharara of the Patriotic League of Uganda (@PLU_Ug). Grounded in faith, purposeful leadership, and a shared vision for our nation's progress. 🇺🇬 ​#Leadership #PatrioticLeague #Uganda #FaithInAction – at Kampala, Uganda

Great progress requires humility to listen, focus to deliver, and patriotism to put the nation first. ​Fruitful discussion with the PLU Secretary General as we continue working toward a stronger, united Uganda 🇺🇬. ​#PLU #Uganda #Patriotism #Leadership – at Kampala, Uganda

Today, I accompanied leaders from COUSA, led by President Mr. Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, and the United Returnees Org in Uganda (URO), led by Owek. Joan Machora Vander Struis, to PLU HQ in Naguru to deliver a message of appreciation to CDF Gen. @mkainerugaba through SG Hon. Twalla Fadhil. COUSA President Mr. Moses Kibombo Ssentongo praised the exemplary discipline & professionalism of the UPDF & SFC, specifically commending Lt. Col. Frank Murema, whose selfless service alongside the Uganda Mission in Pretoria helped save thousands of Ugandan lives. The diaspora leadership expressed deep gratitude to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba & H.E. President @KagutaMuseveni , revealing plans to petition the Fountain of Honour to consider promoting Lt. Col. Murema for his outstanding duty during this critical humanitarian operation. While celebrating the successful 15-day reintegration retreat at NALI, Kyankwanzi, the leaders noted concern over how volunteer diaspora professionals were handled by the Patriotism Secretariat, missing the chance to directly thank H.E. the President at the pass-out. The team remains in Kampala seeking an audience with the CDF & H.E. the President before returning to South Africa. Crucially, they highlighted that hundreds of undocumented Ugandans still in SA are eager for safe passage home. Relief efforts must continue. 🇺🇬🇺🇬 – at Kampala, Uganda