Ireland's relationship with Uganda
Decades of diplomacy
The Irish Embassy in Kampala opened in 1994, establishing an in-country diplomatic relationship with Uganda. The Embassy’s work started with a strong development cooperation focus, which has since expanded to take in the political, business, and cultural relations between Ireland and Uganda.
Ireland’s development aid has made notable contributions to health – including the fight against HIV / AIDS, social protection and education. Ireland has also assisted Uganda in its exemplary response to regional refugee crises.
Since 2004, the Embassy’s development cooperation has had a special focus on the Karamoja region. Ireland is the only EU Member State to maintain a field office in that region, which is based in Moroto.
Institutional and business connections
Ireland and Uganda are deepening a relationship which is now about more than development cooperation.
Ireland places great value in its political relationship with Uganda, and both of our countries are committed to regular high level consultations. Institutional connections between our countries continue to develop. This allows mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise on areas such as revenue mobilisation and administration of justice.
Irish business interests in Uganda are growing. Trade between Ireland and Uganda is expanding. The Embassy has facilitated and supported Irish business interested in the Ugandan market, particularly in the area of food systems. Kerry Group – one of Ireland’s major companies – has recently established a factory in Kampala.
People-to-people connections
Since 1994, the Embassy has supported hundreds of Ugandans to receive an education – in both Ireland and Uganda – through the Ireland Fellows Programme. A vibrant Ireland Fellows Alumni association brings together those who have taken part in the programme, and allows them to maintain and develop their links with Ireland.
The Irish Society in Uganda is more than 70 years old. This association brings together the Irish Community in Uganda – which numbers more than 100 people – and the many friends of Ireland, for events celebrating Ireland and Irish culture. The highlight of the Society’s year is a St. Patrick’s Day Gala ball.
Irish culture is growing in popularity in Uganda – with GAA and Irish Dancing recently picked up by enthusiastic Ugandan school children. GAA is played in 9 schools across the country, and Irish Dancing is undertaken in 8 schools at present, meaning that thousands of Ugandan school children are being introduced to these aspects of Irish culture.
Read some stories highlighting the people-to-people connections between Ireland and Uganda in the Embassy's news section.