Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo has officially handed over Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry to newly appointed Foreign Minister Ambassador Adonia Ayebare after serving as Acting Minister for nearly two months.
The formal handover took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters following the swearing-in of three newly appointed ministers by President Yoweri Museveni at State House on Tuesday.
Kasolo congratulated Ayebare after the handover and wished him success as he assumes responsibility for one of Uganda’s key government portfolios.
The transition marks the latest change in Uganda’s ministerial leadership, with Ayebare now taking charge of the country’s diplomatic affairs and international engagements.
During the handover ceremony, Kasolo welcomed Ayebare into the Foreign Affairs portfolio and highlighted the role Uganda’s diplomacy continues to play in advancing the country’s interests.
He said Uganda’s diplomatic efforts have helped strengthen strategic partnerships while deepening cooperation at regional and international levels.
“Congratulations, Amb. Adonia Ayebare, upon taking the oath of office as Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uganda,” Kasolo said.
“I wish you wisdom and success as you take on this important responsibility,” he added.
Kasolo also expressed confidence in building on the work already undertaken by the ministry, saying he looked forward to working closely with Ayebare to further advance Uganda’s interests on the global stage.
The handover came after President Yoweri Museveni swore in three newly appointed ministers at State House on Tuesday.
Ayebare was sworn in as Foreign Affairs Minister, formally taking over the portfolio that Kasolo had been handling in an acting capacity.
The other appointments included Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, who was sworn in as Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance, and Hon. Witonze Juma, who was appointed Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
With the appointments completed, the affected ministries have begun the formal process of transferring responsibilities to the newly appointed officials.
Kasolo’s transition did not end with the Foreign Affairs handover. He also formally transferred the Microfinance docket at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to Musherure during a separate ceremony at the ministry headquarters.
Kasolo had been serving as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs for nearly two months before Ayebare’s appointment and subsequent swearing-in.
His acting tenure placed him at the center of Uganda’s diplomatic portfolio during the period before the new minister formally assumed office.
Ayebare now takes over the ministry with responsibility for Uganda’s foreign affairs and diplomatic engagements.
His appointment comes as Uganda continues to emphasize the importance of strategic partnerships and regional and international cooperation, issues specifically highlighted by Kasolo during the handover.
The transition also reflects a broader reshuffling of ministerial responsibilities, with Musherure taking charge of the Microfinance docket and Witonze Juma joining the Ministry of Internal Affairs as a State Minister.
Kasolo’s role across the two dockets means he has now formally handed over both responsibilities to their newly appointed successors.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry is central to how Uganda engages with other governments, regional organizations and international partners.
Ayebare’s assumption of the portfolio therefore places him in a key position within the government’s diplomatic structure.
Kasolo’s remarks emphasized continuity rather than a break from the ministry’s existing direction. He pointed to Uganda’s efforts to advance national interests, strengthen partnerships and deepen regional and international cooperation.
His willingness to work with Ayebare also signals an emphasis on building on existing progress as the new minister begins his tenure.
For Ayebare, the immediate task is now to take forward Uganda’s diplomatic agenda under his new mandate.
Ministerial transitions often involve more than simply changing the name on an office door. They also require the outgoing officeholder to transfer responsibility and institutional knowledge to the incoming minister.
Kasolo used the occasion to publicly congratulate Ayebare and wish him success, while expressing his readiness to continue working with him.
The handover consequently carried a tone of continuity, with Kasolo emphasizing the progress already made and the importance of further advancing Uganda’s interests internationally.
Ayebare now begins his tenure with the formal responsibilities of the Foreign Affairs portfolio in his hands.
After nearly two months as Acting Foreign Affairs Minister, Haruna Kasolo has handed the portfolio to Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, who now takes charge of Uganda’s diplomatic affairs.
Kasolo has pledged to work with his successor as Ayebare begins his new role on the international stage.