Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Norway has officially closed its embassy in Uganda, concluding nearly two decades of diplomatic engagement in the East African nation.
The Norwegian embassy in Uganda, which first opened its doors in 2005, announced the closure via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, noting that the Norwegian flag had been ceremoniously lowered.
“It is with mixed emotions as we lower the Norwegian flag for the last time. The Embassy is now closed, but Norway remains engaged in Uganda,” the embassy posted. The lowered flag was handed to Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda Kristin Hermansen.
During a previous event, Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odongo Jeje Abubakher, highlighted the significant achievements and positive outcomes of the Uganda-Norway partnership over the years.
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He expressed Uganda’s heartfelt gratitude for the collaboration, acknowledging Norway’s decision to shut its Kampala embassy while affirming that bilateral relations would continue to thrive.
The closure of Norway’s embassy in Uganda, which also managed diplomatic relations with Rwanda and Burundi, follows the shutdown of five other Norwegian missions in 2022.
This move, first announced last October, reflects a broader shift in Norway’s diplomatic strategy.
Norway has been actively involved in various projects in Uganda, focusing on sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and refugee support.