South Korea urges Uganda to open embassy in Seoul after 63 years of diplomatic ties

The Republic of South Korea has expressed significant concern over Uganda’s failure to establish an embassy in Seoul, despite 63 years of diplomatic relations, calling for greater reciprocity to strengthen bilateral ties and unlock missed opportunities.

The apprehension was voiced on Monday, September 22nd, 2025, by Lee Jae Jung, Head of Delegation for the National Assembly Forum for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Republic of South Korea.

Jung conveyed his country’s concerns during a meeting with Uganda’s Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, at Parliament in Kampala.

Jung highlighted the practical impediments and costs associated with Ugandans having to rely on the Japanese Embassy for consular services, urging Uganda to consider opening a dedicated mission and appointing an ambassador to Korea.

“Although Korea has worked very hard to bridge the two countries, unfortunately, Uganda hasn’t established its embassy in Korea yet, and because of that, people are facing many obstacles and there are delays to constitute exchanges and cooperation between the two countries,” Jung stated.

He further recounted an instance where the Korean President, upon inauguration, invited ambassadors from various nations, noting the absence of a Ugandan representative.

“At that event, I got to exchange greetings with ambassadors from African countries but unfortunately, the ambassador from Uganda was missing,” Jung added.

Jung reminded Deputy Speaker Tayebwa that Uganda holds a unique historical position, being the first African nation to establish diplomatic relations with Korea in 1963. Despite this long-standing connection, the absence of a resident embassy and ambassador has led to Uganda missing out on crucial opportunities for collaboration.

“We are missing opportunities to work with Uganda since there is no ambassador from Uganda to Korea yet; currently, the Ambassador to Japan is both for Japan and Korea. So, I would like the Speaker to suggest that Uganda establishes an embassy in Korea and send an ambassador,” Jung appealed.

Responding to the South Korean delegation’s concerns, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa acknowledged the validity of the issues raised. He attributed the delay in opening an embassy to budget constraints but promised to elevate the matter with President Yoweri Museveni.

“I have listened to you on the issue of the embassy. Korea is the 10th largest economy in the world, so I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be tapping into that opportunity,” Tayebwa said.

“I will be sharing it with the President. I know the Ambassador has shared it with him, but we should be making Korea one of our priority areas in as far as opening new embassies is concerned, and I am going to take it up seriously with the President and Government.”

The call from South Korea underscores the importance of fully developed diplomatic channels for fostering deeper economic and cultural exchanges, urging Uganda to invest in its representation in one of Asia’s leading economies.