The Bugisu District National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership caucus has recommended Hon. Sr Mary Wasagali for consideration for appointment as Uganda’s Ambassador to Kenya.
The recommendation was reportedly made by NRM chairpersons from Bugisu, who say Wasagali’s political mobilisation experience, professional background, regional connections and previous work in Kenya make her a suitable candidate for diplomatic service.
The recommendation follows the death of Uganda’s former Ambassador to Kenya, Hassan Galiwango, who hailed from the Bugisu sub-region. According to the Bugisu NRM leaders, they believe it would be appropriate for another person from the region to be considered for the diplomatic position.
The recommendation was signed by NRM leaders from Bududa, Sironko, Bulambuli and Mbale districts, including Bududa NRM Chairperson Stephen Wachaya, Sironko NRM Chairperson Hajji Suleiman Lumolo, Bulambuli NRM Chairperson Paul Michael Kimatiti and Mbale NRM Chairperson Hajji Muhamood Masaba.
The leaders cited Wasagali’s contribution to NRM mobilisation in Bugisu, particularly in Sironko District, where they credit her with helping strengthen the party’s structures and electoral support.
According to the NRM leaders, when Wasagali became actively involved in political mobilisation in Sironko, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had significant influence in the district, including representation in Parliament and the district council.
They say her mobilisation efforts contributed to increased NRM representation in the district, including the election of NRM-leaning leaders.
Her political mobilisation credentials have also received recognition from Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the NRM National Coordinator, who has reportedly recommended Wasagali for continued deployment in public service.
Namyalo is quoted as saying Wasagali’s contribution to NRM mobilisation in Sironko and the wider Elgon sub-region is an achievement the party appreciates.
She also highlighted Wasagali’s service as a presidential flag-bearer elections supervisor, a role in which she reportedly worked with party structures and voters across different parts of the country.
Wasagali has also served as a Commissioner at the Equal Opportunities Commission, where her supporters say she has demonstrated experience in public service and engagement with communities.
The Bamasaba cultural institution has also expressed support for her potential diplomatic deployment.
Steven Masiga, spokesperson for the Bamasaba cultural institution, said Wasagali has worked with cultural structures in Bugisu to mobilise communities to embrace government programmes.
“She has the full backing of the clans and the entire Bamasaba community,” Masiga said.
Kenyan Connections
Supporters of Wasagali’s proposed appointment argue that her previous education and professional experience in Kenya could give her an advantage if she is deployed to the country.
Wasagali reportedly completed part of her education and nursing training in Kenya and later worked at Kenyatta National Hospital, where she served in the surgical ward.
Her supporters also point to her connections with the Bamasaba community in Kenya, particularly in counties such as Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and Kakamega.
Masiga argues that these cultural and professional links could help her build strong relations between Uganda and Kenya if she is appointed.
Wasagali is also said to have longstanding connections within the Kenyan Bamasaba community and links to prominent Kenyan political and cultural figures.
Former Uganda High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Emeritus Angelina Wapakhabulo, has also backed the recommendation.
Wapakhabulo said Wasagali’s knowledge of Kenya, coupled with her previous professional experience there, would make it easier for her to navigate diplomatic responsibilities.
“I have personally worked with her during political mobilisation and she is worthy of the label,” Wapakhabulo said, adding that she supports recommendations made by the Archbishop of Tororo and Bamasaba clan leaders.
Professional and Academic Background
Wasagali has a background in nursing and holds a Master’s degree in Community Psychology and Counselling.
She has also served as a lecturer at Bugema University and Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, and previously served on the Sironko District Service Commission.
She has also held leadership responsibilities within the NRM, including serving as Vice Chairperson of the party in Sironko District.
During the recently concluded presidential elections, she was appointed by the NRM Chairman as a presidential flag-bearer elections supervisor, a position that expanded her role within the party’s national structures.
Her supporters say the experience exposed her to national-level political coordination and strengthened her understanding of leadership and public administration.
Church Support
Wasagali’s proposed diplomatic deployment has also received support from the Catholic Church.
The Most Rev. Dr Emmanuel Obbo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo, is reported to have written a recommendation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in support of her continued deployment in public service.
According to those backing her, the Archbishop highlighted her contribution to the Catholic Church and her support for vulnerable children and community initiatives.
Her supporters describe her as a committed member of the Catholic faith who has contributed to church and community development initiatives in different parts of Uganda.
If considered and appointed, Wasagali would become one of the prominent female diplomats from the Bugisu sub-region and, according to her supporters, could bring together her political, professional, cultural and religious networks in advancing Uganda’s diplomatic interests.
She is reported to be 62 years old and was born in the greater Mbale area, now part of the Bugisu sub-region.
Wasagali is also described as proficient in English, Kiswahili, Spanish and Latin.
The recommendation by the Bugisu NRM leadership remains subject to consideration by the appointing authority, and an ambassadorial appointment would only take effect after the relevant government processes are completed.
