Kampala City, Uganda: State Minister for Regional Cooperation, Hon Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has pledged to advance Uganda’s diplomatic agenda and safeguard the country’s foreign policy interests following his elevation as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The appointment, made by President Museveni in a June 22 letter, places Kasolo at the helm of Uganda’s foreign affairs docket in an acting capacity as substantive Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Ambassador Adonia Ayebare remains away on official international assignments.
Shortly after the appointment was made public on Wednesday evening, Kasolo took to social media platform X to express gratitude to President Museveni for entrusting him with the responsibility.
“I am profoundly honoured by the trust and confidence reposed in me by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni through my appointment as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. I extend my sincere gratitude to His Excellency for this opportunity to serve our nation in this capacity,” Kasolo posted.
“I remain committed to upholding Uganda’s foreign policy objectives, advancing our diplomatic engagements and serving with integrity, professionalism and unwavering dedication in the pursuit of our national interests.”
The latest assignment marks another significant milestone in Hon Kasolo’s political career, which has seen him rise from grassroots politics in Greater Masaka to become one of the National Resistance Movement’s most influential leaders.
Only weeks ago, Kasolo formally assumed office as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, replacing John Mulimba in a colorful handover ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Kampala.
His elevation to the acting ministerial role comes at a critical time when Uganda continues to deepen regional integration, strengthen bilateral relations, and expand its economic diplomacy agenda across Africa and beyond.
From Microfinance to Foreign Affairs
Before his reshuffle to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kasolo served for nearly a decade as Minister of State for Microfinance and Small Enterprises under the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.
Appointed to the microfinance docket in 2016, he became one of the key government figures championing financial inclusion, small business development and wealth creation initiatives. During his tenure, he actively promoted programmes such as Emyooga, the now-famous Parish Development Model (PDM), youth livelihood initiatives, and other interventions aimed at increasing household incomes and expanding access to affordable financing.
His stewardship of the microfinance sector earned him visibility across the country as he engaged SACCOs, entrepreneurs, and small-scale business owners on issues of financial literacy, enterprise growth and poverty eradication.
The move to Foreign Affairs, therefore, represents a major transition from domestic economic empowerment programmes to international diplomacy and regional cooperation.
Rising Influence Within NRM
Kasolo’s growing political influence was further demonstrated in 2025 when he was elected NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, securing a seat on the ruling party’s powerful Central Executive Committee (CEC), the highest decision-making organ of the National Resistance Movement.
His election to the CEC elevated him into the party’s top leadership structure alongside the National Chairman H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, First National Vice Chairman Hajji Moses Kigongo, Second National Vice Chairperson Anita Among, and other senior party officials.
Political observers view the combination of his CEC position and recent cabinet appointments as a reflection of growing confidence in his leadership within both government and the ruling party.
Who is Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo?
Born August 24, 1979, Kasolo is a seasoned politician and former Member of Parliament for Kyotera County. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a mobiliser within the NRM, particularly in Greater Masaka and the Buganda region.
A fourth-term cabinet minister, Kasolo, has remained a prominent figure in government despite changes in electoral fortunes, serving continuously in ministerial positions since his appointment to Cabinet in 2016.
His political journey has been closely associated with President Museveni’s wealth creation agenda, financial inclusion policies and grassroots mobilisation efforts.
New Diplomatic Responsibilities
As Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kasolo will oversee Uganda’s diplomatic engagements, support implementation of foreign policy priorities and coordinate regional and international cooperation initiatives.
His responsibilities come at a time when Uganda is pursuing stronger regional integration through the East African Community (EAC), promoting peace and security efforts within the Great Lakes Region, expanding trade partnerships and positioning itself as a strategic investment destination.
The role also places him at the centre of Uganda’s engagements with international organisations, foreign governments, and multilateral institutions as Kampala seeks to strengthen its influence on regional and global issues.
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