Norway has officially closed its embassy in Uganda, concluding nearly two decades of diplomatic presence in the East African country.
The announcement was made on the embassy’s official X account (formerly Twitter) on Friday, with a post stating that the Norwegian flag had been formally lowered for the last time.
“It is with mixed emotions that we lower the Norwegian flag for the last time. The Embassy is now closed, but Norway remains engaged in Uganda,” read the post. The flag was handed over to the Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda, Kristin Hermansen.
The embassy noted that the flag had been raised in Uganda since 2005.
Earlier, Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odongo Jeje Abubakher, highlighted the “strength and tangible results of the Uganda-Norway relationship over the years,” expressing Uganda’s deep appreciation for the partnership.
“He acknowledged Norway’s sovereign decision to close its embassy in Kampala while welcoming the assurance that bilateral relations will persist and flourish,” according to an embassy statement on X.
Norway had announced the closure of five missions in 2022, including the embassy in Uganda, which also covered Rwanda and Burundi. This decision, first announced last October, reflects significant changes in Norway’s diplomatic strategy abroad.
Despite the closure, Norway continues to support various projects in Uganda, including initiatives in education, health, agriculture, and refugee assistance.
