Norway has officially closed its embassy in Uganda, marking the end of a 19-year diplomatic presence in the East African country. The embassy announced the closure on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, sharing that the Norwegian flag had been formally 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. According to the embassy, the flag was first raised in Uganda in 2005.
In 2005, Ambassador Tore Gjøs and Mr. Mohan Kiwanuka raised the Norwegian flag for the first time on Plot 18B Akii-Bua Road. This historical moment marked the official beginning of the chancery in Nakasero, which has been its home for the last 19 years.
At an earlier function, Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odongo Jeje Abubakher, emphasized the “strength and tangible results of the Uganda-Norway relationship over the years,” expressing Uganda’s deep appreciation for this partnership. “He acknowledged Norway’s sovereign decision to close its embassy in Kampala while welcoming the assurance that bilateral relations will persist and flourish,” an embassy statement posted on X said.
Norway shut down five missions in 2022, and the closure of its embassy in Uganda, which also oversaw diplomatic relations with Rwanda and Burundi, was first announced last October. This move signals several changes in Norway’s diplomatic presence abroad.
Despite the closure, Norway continues to support various projects in Uganda, including those in education, health, agriculture, and assistance to refugees. Norway’s commitment to these projects highlights the enduring relationship between the two nations.
The Norwegian embassy in Uganda has been a cornerstone of bilateral relations, fostering cooperation and development in numerous sectors. The closure marks a significant shift, but both nations have expressed a commitment to maintaining strong ties and continuing collaborative efforts.
