H.E. Mags Gaynor

Fáilte chuig Ambasáid na hÉireann.

Warm welcome everyone to the website of the Embassy of Ireland in Kampala. I hope this site will be an invaluable tool to you in understanding the deep relationship between Uganda and Ireland, and Rwanda and Ireland, alongside regular consular, visa, trade, cultural and community updates.

My name is Mags Gaynor and it is my great privilege to serve as Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda and Rwanda over the next four years, I hope to continue to strengthen the ties of friendship between our countries and to experience the many wonderful sights and sounds of this beautiful region.

Ireland and Uganda share an enduring friendship – from the first missionaries in the early 20th century to the deepening cultural and economic links today. Since 1903, there has been a continuous Irish presence in Uganda and we are proud to have stood alongside you during many of the country’s most significant milestones. In 2024, Ireland celebrated thirty years of physical presence in Uganda and twenty years of continued support to Karamoja region. We continue to build on our commitment to human rights, gender equality, protecting civil society space and investing in future generations. We remain committed to a mutually beneficial partnership with Uganda and to our ultimate ambition of benefitting the furthest behind first.

I look forward to meeting the Irish community and am proud of the quality of services that we offer our citizens. Ireland has a strong diaspora in Uganda. Irish people and institutions contribute to many fields, including education, healthcare and business. Irish business interests in the country are growing and we continue to see Irish culture being promoted and celebrated throughout the country. I am delighted that there are now nine schools in Uganda that play traditional Irish sports - the first club on the African continent to be affiliated with the Gaelic Athletic Association is in Uganda.

At a global level, Ireland and Uganda have shared priorities in climate action and pandemic preparedness. Perhaps most central to our relationship is our shared appreciation for community and peace-building – in lifting each other up and ensuring no one is left behind.

As a country, we are deeply attached to the importance of education and skills for all members of society, ensuring that each generation is equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Through the Ireland Fellows Programme, we continue to nurture future leaders, develop in-country capacity and to build positive relationships between Uganda, Rwanda and Ireland.

Please stay in touch via this website and X page @IrlEmbUganda. If you have any suggestions, feedback or queries, or are interested in building commercial, institutional or cultural links between Ireland, Uganda and Rwanda, please contact us. I look forward to hearing from you and to meeting many of you in the years to come.

Mags Gaynor

Ambassador