Inside Amb. Joy Ruth Aceng's Eight-Year Diplomatic Journey in Canada: A Blend of Triumphs and Challenges

Uganda's High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Joy Ruth Aceng, has recently been at the center of public attention after reportedly clashing with a section of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party supporters in Canada. Despite this incident, the Kampala administration has staunchly defended her, emphasizing that Ambassador Aceng's performance should be the focal point in evaluating her diplomatic tenure in Canada.

Ambassador Aceng's diplomatic journey in Canada spans eight years, during which she has navigated a myriad of experiences - both sweet and bitter. Her time in Canada has been marked by commendable achievements as well as challenges that have tested her diplomatic skills. 

One significant episode that drew attention to Ambassador Aceng's tenure was when NUP supporters attempted to disrupt a ceremony organized by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's supporters to acknowledge his accomplishments over nearly four decades in power. 

In assessing Ambassador Aceng's performance, Henry Okello Oryem, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of looking beyond isolated incidents and focusing on the overall contributions made by the envoy during her time in Canada. Oryem emphasized that Ambassador Aceng's service should be evaluated based on her accomplishments and diplomatic engagements over the years.

Despite facing challenges during her tenure, including the Canadian government's order for her to leave due to behavioral concerns, Ambassador Aceng has remained in Canada, according to unverified sources.

Ambassador Joy Ruth Aceng's eight-year diplomatic journey in Canada encapsulates a mix of successes and obstacles that have shaped her experience as Uganda's High Commissioner. 

Ambassador Aceng’s Contributions to Uganda-Canada Relations

Ambassador Aceng's role extended beyond being Uganda's envoy to Canada; she also held the prestigious position of Dean of all African Ambassadors in Canada for over three years. This leadership position allowed her to foster unity and cooperation among African diplomatic missions, enhancing the continent's presence and influence in Canada.

One of Ambassador Aceng's key initiatives was promoting trade, investment, and tourism between Uganda and Canada. She organized several high-profile events, including trade expos and investment forums, to showcase Uganda's economic potential and attract Canadian investors. Notably, in 2023, she presided over the Uganda Canadian Diaspora Business Expo and Convention in Toronto, emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation and collaboration between the two countries.

During her tenure, Ambassador Aceng highlighted Uganda's diverse investment opportunities, particularly in the agriculture sector. She emphasized the potential for commercial farming in both traditional and non-traditional cash crops, as well as opportunities in apiculture, sericulture, horticulture, and livestock farming. Her efforts aimed to attract Canadian investments in agricultural value chains, food processing, and export-oriented industries, contributing to Uganda's economic development and food security.

Furthermore, Ambassador Aceng identified specific areas for investment in Uganda, such as grain processing, fish and beef canning, fruit juice extraction, and natural fiber processing. She underscored the importance of value addition in agricultural products to increase their market competitiveness and create sustainable economic growth in Uganda.

In the oil and gas sector, Ambassador Aceng emphasized the untapped potential in the midstream and downstream segments, including transportation, refining, distribution, and marketing. She underscored the opportunities in various energy sources such as biomass, petroleum, geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro, encouraging investors to consider long-term investments in these areas.

Within the infrastructure sector, Amb. Aceng highlighted opportunities in water transport, entertainment vessels, air and cargo transportation, road networks, road management systems, and domestic air transport. She promoted partnerships between the public and private sectors to facilitate the development of critical infrastructure projects in Uganda.

During engagements with potential investors in Canada, Ambassador Aceng also identified significant opportunities in the mining industry, water and sanitation, education, health, trade, tourism, housing, and ICT sectors. Her efforts aimed to attract foreign investment and expertise to drive economic development and enhance the quality of life for Ugandans.

Despite the challenges faced, including strained bilateral relations following political controversies, Ambassador Aceng's tenure in Canada was marked by dedication and commitment to advancing Uganda's interests on the international stage. Her strategic efforts and achievements in promoting investment opportunities and strengthening diplomatic ties between Uganda and Canada have left a lasting impact on bilateral relations.