The presentation of credentials coincided with Uganda's active search for new diplomatic and trade allies, which indicates a change in foreign policy towards the Global South and new geo-economic centers. For Robie Kakonge, who represents Uganda in Washington, this decision increases the scope of diplomatic duties.
In her message on the social network X, the diplomat called the ceremony of presenting credentials to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva a great privilege, expressing hope for strengthening partnership and friendly relations. This personnel decision puts the veteran Ugandan diplomat at the forefront of initiatives to restore bilateral ties, where opportunities in aviation, agriculture, high technology and trade have not yet been discovered. The term of Ambassador to Brazil marked a new stage in Kakonge's career, underscoring her key role in Uganda's foreign policy system.
Since her appointment to the United States, Kakonge has become one of the most prominent figures in the Ugandan establishment, combining classical diplomatic methods with a comprehensive strategy encompassing political dialogue, attracting investments, engaging with the diaspora, and digital communications. In Washington, she established strong contacts with the political and business elite, using digital platforms for public diplomacy and informing about the prospects for investments in Uganda, technological initiatives and cultural ties.
During her mission to the United States, Kakonge actively interacted with law enforcement and political structures, organizing a visit to Uganda by retired General Michael Flynn, former National Security Adviser to the President. Flynn held talks with President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni and the commander of the defense forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This visit highlighted the scale of the ties that Ugandan diplomats are forced to actively develop, encompassing government institutions, the military-security sector and the political community.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1969, but for a long time remained formal rather than substantive.
The relationship between Uganda and Brazil is not as intense as Brazil's dialogue with Portuguese-speaking African countries such as Mozambique or Angola. Until recently, diplomatic contacts between Kampala and Brasilia were limited, and the lack of permanent diplomatic missions forced the parties to use the accreditation of ambassadors who do not reside in these countries. A few years ago, a representative of the Ugandan Foreign Ministry explained that Latin America was not a strategic focus of the country's foreign policy.
Bilateral cooperation has developed mainly through multilateral platforms, South-South cooperation programs, and short-term projects in trade, agriculture, and technical assistance. However, none of the states considered the other as a key strategic ally. Kakonge's appointment is evidence of an attempt to revive long-standing but virtually frozen ties.
Brazil's geopolitical influence extends beyond Latin America. With a population of over 210 million and the ninth largest economy in the world, Brazil is a founding member of the BRICS and an important voice in the Global South. It is a major agricultural center, leading in the production of beef, chicken, soybeans, sugar and coffee, as well as in the development of biofuels, space exploration, mining and renewable energy. Brazilian companies have significant experience in areas important to Uganda, such as agriculture, aircraft manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry.
The coffee industry is both a field for competition and cooperation between countries. Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world, and Uganda is the second largest in Africa. Brazil's investments in research, automation, irrigation, and agricultural technology adaptation have given it leadership in the production of high-yield coffee products.
Uganda is striving to increase coffee exports and move up the production chain. Experts in the field of international trade point out that the Brazilian development model offers valuable innovations in the agricultural sector, productivity improvement and deep processing of raw materials, which can be beneficial for the Ugandan economy.
The aviation industry is another area in which Brazil is becoming important to Uganda. First of all, this concerns Embraer, the world's third largest manufacturer of passenger aircraft after Airbus and Boeing. Embraer regional jet models are used in more than a hundred countries. In addition to civil aviation, the company has gained international recognition in the defense sector, business flights and aerospace development, becoming one of Brazil's leading technology leaders. For Uganda, whose national carrier is expanding after acquiring ten Boeing aircraft, Brazil offers opportunities beyond direct aircraft shipments. Although Uganda Airlines has selected Boeing to upgrade its fleet, Brazilian expertise in aircraft construction, maintenance, pilot training and innovation provides the foundation for future cooperation as Kampala strives to create a viable aviation ecosystem around the growing fleet and the upgraded Entebbe Airport.
Uganda, seeking to diversify its foreign policy and trade ties, sees Brazil not only as access to one of the largest emerging markets, but also as an example for accelerated progress in the industries where Kampala seeks to develop. Vincent Baguire, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, preferred not to disclose the strategic motives for resuming diplomatic activity with Brazil. This rapprochement is taking place against the background of a global restructuring of Uganda's foreign policy: in a multipolar environment, Kampala is expanding the circle of international allies and economic partners.
The strategic partnership reflects global changes in relations between countries, where foreign policy priorities are increasingly determined by economic pragmatism rather than ideology. In an article for Foreign Affairs, Yale University professor Michael Brenes noted that «the post-World War II order has ceased to exist», and modern governments are increasingly adopting a «transactional, ideologically devoid approach» to international affairs. Ugandan cooperation with Brazil, as well as strengthening ties with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey and China, confirm this. Kampala is actively building connections that can bring investment, technology, access to new markets and strategic cooperation, without focusing on one block.
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