Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo became an unexpected focal point at the historic signing of the Washington Accords yesterday, after U.S. President Donald J. Trump publicly singled her out for praise, not for politics, but for her standout appearance.
Alupo, seated in the front row among presidents and senior dignitaries from across Africa, wore a bright yellow tailored jacket and matching skirt, a bold, elegant ensemble that contrasted sharply with the sea of dark suits worn by other leaders.
As Trump took the podium to deliver remarks at the ceremony, attended by the presidents of Angola, Burundi, and Kenya, as well as the African Union Commission Chairperson, he paused while introducing leaders present to acknowledge the Ugandan Vice President.
“The Vice President of Uganda, that’s such a beautiful color!” Trump said, looking at Alupo. “All these guys are wearing these dark suits. You just stand out. For a lot of reasons. You’re beautiful.”
The light-hearted moment drew smiles across the room and quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the event, trending across social platforms and sparking conversations around fashion diplomacy — the subtle but powerful use of attire to convey identity, confidence, and national pride.
Alupo’s choice of yellow, a color strongly associated with Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and symbolic of optimism and energy, offered a striking visual representation of Uganda’s presence at the high-level gathering.
Her outfit added a touch of cultural symbolism to a ceremony otherwise dominated by geopolitical negotiations, reaffirming how fashion can serve as an unexpected but effective soft-power tool in diplomacy.
The Washington Accords mark a significant step towards stabilizing relations in the Great Lakes region, but for many attendees, Alupo’s confident and vibrant appearance provided a memorable human moment amid the weighty discussions.
