Former Sports Cabinet secretary, Ababu Namwamba, has been appointed High Commissioner to Uganda just months after being kicked out of the cabinet by President William Ruto.
He was appointed as High Commissioner to Uganda after a diplomatic revamp announced by President William Ruto on January 21.
Ababu Namwamba Appointed High Commissioner to Uganda Following Exit from Cabinet
The appointment brings back Ababu Namwamba to government services following his controversial exit from the Sports docket at the end of last year’s cabinet reorganization. The appointment puts Namwamba at the forefront of Kenya’s diplomatic relationships with the government of Uganda.
As part of this reshufflement, Ababu Namwamba is replacing ambassador Joash Maangi, who has filled this position since 2024. However, this should not be considered a recall from service, since Maangi has been redeployed to represent the government of Kenya before the European Commission, located in Brussels, Belgium.
The latest appointments by President Ruto are yet again indicating a trend where former Cabinet Secretaries are assigned to diplomatic positions instead of being totally expelled from government service. The decision to appoint Ababu Namwamba as High Commissioner to Uganda is an affirmation of this strategy.
He will be Kenya’s senior diplomat in Kampala, charged with managing bilateral relations between the two neighboring states.
His mandate will be to enhance trade links between the two countries, enhance diplomatic cooperation between Uganda and Kenya, as well as ensure that Kenyan citizens in Uganda are well protected. The appointment of Ababu Namwamba as a High Commissioner to Uganda sees him take charge of Kenya’s major regional partner.
In addition, Ababu Namwamba will be responsible for the overall consular services, among these the issuance of passports, and the facilitation of Kenyan citizens in situations of emergencies.
Apart from the bilateral duties, the task of Ababu Namwamba as the High Commissioner of Kenya in Uganda, will also contribute towards the integration process of the regions with the understanding of the East Africa Community.
