Norway announces closure of its Ugandan Embassy, here’s why

In an announcement made by the embassy on Friday, it was disclosed that various changes are taking place in the nation's diplomatic presence abroad.

The embassy's statement emphasised the objective of "concentrating and consolidating" to better serve Norway's national interests and enhance the effectiveness of its international engagements.

Consequently, this involves an expansion of Norway's presence in specific locations, which will necessitate the challenging downsizing of its operations elsewhere.

Last year, Norway closed down five missions, and the one in Uganda will follow suit by the end of July 2024. 

The decision to close the embassy in Kampala, Norway said, is based on comprehensive administrative assessments regarding the allocation of resources within the foreign service.

Norway has maintained a presence in Uganda since 1994, with its embassy in Kampala also overseeing Rwanda and Burundi. The embassy underscored its commitment to the strong and valued bilateral relations between Norway and Uganda, stating that development cooperation would remain unaffected.

To ensure the continuation of support, the embassy explained that a significant portion of current aid is already administered by the Norwegian development agency, Norad. 

Future cooperation will be overseen by Norad and another mission in the region, the specific location of which is yet to be determined. Norway's support in Uganda encompasses various projects, encompassing education, healthcare, agriculture, and assistance to refugees.