Shift Media News 
By AWORI ESTHE LUCY
KAMPALA , Uganda April 13 [SHIFTMEDIA] — The U.S. Embassy in Kampala has provided financial support equivalent to approximately $13,000 toward the advanced diplomatic training of Andysen Agaba, a Ugandan foreign policy professional who graduated from the Lincoln Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations on Monday.
Agaba completed an Advanced Executive Certificate in Foreign Policy Analysis, offered in partnership with the Center for Policy and Strategic Studies (CPSS) Africa. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, he acknowledged the embassy’s contribution as evidence of sustained American investment in African human capital and policy capacity.
“This support reflects a strong commitment to investing in human capital, strengthening policy capacity, and empowering the next generation of leaders in international affairs,” Agaba said, addressing distinguished guests and members of the diplomatic community gathered for the occasion.
During the programme, Agaba engaged with the United States Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp, an interaction he described as reinforcing the value of dialogue and multilateral cooperation in advancing shared global objectives. He did not specify Popp’s current role or affiliation.
In remarks that touched on Africa’s evolving position in international affairs, Agaba argued that the continent had moved from the margins of global decision-making to a position of increasing strategic relevance — across trade, investment, security, and diplomatic partnerships.
He called on African nations to develop coherent foreign policy frameworks, invest in research and diplomacy, and present a unified voice in regional and multilateral forums, warning that growing global relevance must be matched by deliberate policy leadership.
“The question is no longer whether Africa has a place in global affairs. The question is how Africa will define that place,” he told the gathering. “Will we be passive participants, or strategic actors?”
Agaba said he intends to remain engaged in the diplomatic space through policy analysis and advocacy, describing the road ahead as significant but achievable through informed and intentional leadership.
The Lincoln Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations offers executive programmes to practitioners in foreign policy, governance, and international relations across Africa.
