Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul recently launched his highly anticipated book, Uganda Since 1986: The Socio-Economic Transformation Journey of Uganda Through the Eyes of a Foreign Service Officer. The book offers a comprehensive account of Uganda’s modern history and its development trajectory, combining personal experience with historical and policy analysis.
The launch event, held at the Serena Conference Centre, was presided over by Brigadier General Paddy Ankunda, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Senior government officials, diplomats, and technocrats were in attendance, underscoring the importance of the publication.
Documenting Uganda’s Recovery and Growth
In his book, Ambassador Ogwang chronicles Uganda’s journey from political and economic turmoil to stability and growth. He vividly describes the period before 1986 as one of institutional collapse and economic breakdown. From there, he traces the policy choices and leadership decisions that contributed to Uganda’s recovery.
The author divides Uganda’s transformation into four key phases:
- Stabilisation and recovery during the late 1980s and 1990s
- Economic expansion and diversification in the 1990s and early 2000s
- A shift towards value addition and industrialisation in the 2000s and 2010s
- A focus on knowledge, innovation, and technology-driven growth in the present phase.
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Governance as the Foundation of Development
A central theme in the book is governance, which Ogwang compares to an orchestra where the executive, legislature, judiciary, and security institutions play complementary roles. He argues that the sustained peace and security have been pivotal to Uganda’s economic recovery. These factors enabled the reopening of schools, the revival of markets, and the expansion of infrastructure.
Diplomacy and Economic Growth
Ogwang places significant emphasis on diplomacy as a key driver of Uganda’s economic growth. Drawing on his extensive experience in the Foreign Service, the author advocates for viewing Uganda’s diplomatic missions as vital tools for commercial diplomacy, investment promotion, and market access. This approach, according to Ogwang, is essential to drive the nation’s development forward.
Challenges Ahead for Uganda’s Future
While the book is largely positive about Uganda’s progress, Ogwang does not shy away from acknowledging ongoing challenges. He highlights corruption, inequality, and high production costs as serious issues that could threaten the country’s development gains if left unaddressed. The author calls for greater accountability and integrity within the public service to secure the nation’s future.
A Resource for Civic Education and Future Generations
Uganda Since 1986 serves as a civic education resource, particularly for younger generations who have grown up during a period of relative stability. Positioned within the broader national conversation on safeguarding development achievements, the book is likely to resonate with policymakers, scholars, and citizens seeking to understand the forces that have shaped Uganda’s contemporary political and economic landscape.
The book contributes to the growing body of literature examining Uganda’s post-1986 trajectory and offers a detailed insight into the nation’s transformation.
