The Centre for Multilateral Affairs had the esteemed privilege of engaging with a group of Ugandan journalists on the topic of Diplomacy, focusing on the involvement of non-state actors in shaping public diplomacy and addressing malign influence.
This opportunity was graciously extended to CfMA by the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing media rights in Africa. The participating journalists represent various media outlets encompassing print, online, and broadcast agencies, aiming to bolster their understanding of foreign policy and its implications for addressing malign activities.
Ms. Patricia Namakula, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Multilateral Affairs, delivered insights to the journalists regarding Uganda’s Foreign Policy. She delved into its definition, underlying principles, key drivers, and its relationship with other stakeholders, notably the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Uganda. Following this, Mr. Moses Owiny further elaborated on the roles of non-state actors in diplomacy and combatting foreign malign influence.
The cohort of journalists supported by ACME hails from diverse regions across Uganda, benefitting from a comprehensive capacity-building program facilitated by a distinguished panel of experts. This included faculty heads, experienced diplomats, journalists, civil society leaders, and government officials, ensuring participants gained practical knowledge from seasoned professionals. Dr. Ivan Lukanda from Makerere University led some of the sessions as a facilitator.
Recognized as a center of excellence in diplomacy, CfMA has actively participated in multistakeholder and multilateral diplomatic processes. This engagement has equipped the organization with valuable practical knowledge and experience, enabling them to effectively share insights with others, including journalists.