Washington, D.C. – Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, a distinguished Ugandan Foreign Service Officer and lawyer, has been officially named a Foreign Policy Executive Fellow of the Lincoln Institute of Diplomacy & International Relations, Class of 2 of 2026. The achievement culminates in a graduation ceremony scheduled for September.
Ambassador Ogwang, who holds a Master’s degree in Diplomacy & International Relations, described the program as a profound enhancement to his understanding of modern foreign policy dynamics. He extended deep gratitude to the program's facilitator, whom he affectionately referred to as the "Simple Teacher," Prof. Ahmed, for guiding the cohort through an exceptional journey.
The fellowship provided Ambassador Ogwang with critical insights into key areas of international relations. Among the key takeaways, he highlighted a deeper perspective on Uganda’s long-standing non-aligned and autonomous foreign policy doctrines—a subject he plans to explore further in his next book. His previous publication, Uganda Since 1986: The Socio-Economic Transformation Journey of Uganda Through the Eyes of a Foreign Service Officer, has already been recognized as a significant contribution to understanding the country’s modern history .
Additionally, the program offered a curated appreciation of US-Uganda relations through interactions with top-tier faculty. A distinct highlight was the opportunity to learn from Mr. Jacob Surace, the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Uganda. Ambassador Ogwang noted that interacting with a senior Foreign Service Officer powerfully demonstrated why America remains a vital partner for Uganda.
Ambassador Ogwang extended special thanks to Dean Carol for her dedicated service to the program. He concluded his remarks by acknowledging the honor of learning alongside colleagues from various diplomatic backgrounds, emphasizing the value of such exchanges in broadening his geopolitical lens on events affecting the Horn of Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, which have direct impacts on local dynamics.
