Oliver Wonekha

Oliver Wonekha is a Ugandan politician and diplomat, who serves as Uganda's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, since 2022.[1] She previously served as the country's Ambassador to the United States of America, from 2013, until 2017 and thereafter as Uganda's High Commissioner to the Republic Of Rwanda between 2017 and 2022.[2]

Oliver Wonekha
Born1951 (age 71–72)[1]
Bududa District, Uganda
NationalityUgandan
CitizenshipUganda
Alma materMakerere University
(Bachelor of Science)
(Postgraduate Diploma in Education)
Occupation(s)Diplomat and politician
Years active1971–present
TitleUganda's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China

Background and education

Wonekha was born in present-day Bududa District, c. 1951.[1] She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Makerere University, in Kampala, Uganda's capital. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, also from Makerere.[2]

Work experience

She worked in the coffee sector for 30 years, starting c. 1971, before she entered politics.[3] She worked at the now defunct Coffee Marketing Board and later for the privately owned Kyagalanyi Coffee Limited.[2]

Political career

In 2011, Wonekha entered Uganda's elective politics by contesting the Mbale District Women's Constituency, in the Ugandan parliament. She won and served in that capacity during the eighth parliament (2001–2006). In 2006, she contested the Bududa District Women's Constituency, on the ruling National Resistance Movement political party. She won and served in that capacity in the 9th parliament (2006–2011).[4] During the 2011 election cycle, she lost her seat.[5] Following her loss in the Ugandan parliament, she unsuccessfully contested for the East African Legislative Assembly.[3]

Diplomatic career

In 2013, she was named Uganda's Ambassador to the United States, where she presented her credentials to President Barack Obama on 22 July 2013.[2] In January 2017, she was transferred to Rwanda, as Uganda's ambassador to that country, replacing Richard Kabonero who was transferred to the Republic of Tanzania.[6] She presented her credentials to President Paul Kagame, on 11 October 2017. In 2022 she assumed her current post as Uganda's Ambassador to China [7]

See also

References
  1. Mugabo, Peter (27 January 2017). "Dean Of Foreign Diplomatic Missions In Rwanda Replaced". Kigali: News of Rwanda. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  2. Namutebi, Joyce (22 July 2013). "Obama receives Wonekha as Ugandan envoy". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  3. AllGov.com (10 May 2014). "Ambassador from Uganda: Who Is Oliver Wonekha?". Allgov.com. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  4. Nabunya, Christine (7 September 2006). "New District Woman MPs to be Sworn-in on September 12th, 2006". Kampala: Uganda Radio Network. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  5. Tabu Butagira, and Sheila Naturinda (18 November 2012). "Foreign service chokes with failed politicians". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  6. Bwire, Job (27 January 2017). "Museveni appoints Dr Kiyonga Uganda's ambassador to Beijing". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  7. Vision Reporter (11 October 2017). "Wonekha presents credentials to Kagame". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
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