First Lady Mrs. Museveni bids farewell to outgoing Irish Ambassador

KAMPALA - The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni, has paid tribute to outgoing Irish Ambassador, Kevin Colgan, for what she described as his dedication and outstanding support to Uganda’s education sector and human capital development during his tenure.

On Wednesday, July 30th, Mrs. Museveni bid farewell to Ambassador Colgan during a meeting at State House Nakasero.

The Minister of State for Higher Education Dr. JC Muyingo, senior officers from the Ministry of Education and Sports, and members of the Irish Embassy in Uganda also attended the meeting.

During the engagement, Mrs. Museveni hailed the strong bilateral relationship between Uganda and Ireland over the years and Ambassador Colgan's impactful service in Uganda.

"Saying farewell to a friend is not easy. But we must accept that there is a time for everything. I want to thank you, Ambassador Colgan, not just for your significant contribution to Uganda in the various sectors, especially in education, but for being a good friend of Uganda," Mrs. Museveni said.

A release from her office states that the First Lady recalled her early collaboration with the Irish government during her tenure as Minister for Karamoja Affairs. 

This partnership included key development interventions in school construction, vocational training, and promoting girls' education.

She applauded Ambassador Colgan for his leadership in policy dialogue through the Education Development Partners Working Group and his support for teachers through the "Teachers Making a Difference" program. 

She also highlighted his contributions to infrastructure development in Karamoja, the Gender Unit in the Ministry of Education, TVET training, and the bursary scheme for vulnerable children in Karamoja.

"As you leave Uganda, know that you have laid a brick on Uganda that cannot be forgotten, especially since you chose to focus on human capital development. Thank you for holding hands with us to serve our people," Mrs. Museveni said.

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet K. Museveni, in a group photograph with the outgoing Irish Ambassador, Kevin Colgan, officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, and members of the Irish Embassy. (Credit: PPU)

Ambassador Colgan, who has served in Uganda for five years, expressed pride in the achievements of Uganda’s education sector and reaffirmed Ireland’s long-term commitment.

He acknowledged education's central role in Uganda's development. "Education is the cornerstone of Ireland's partnership with Uganda. When you invest in teachers and infrastructure, you invest in the country's future," he said.

He emphasised Ireland's longstanding commitment to supporting teacher quality, gender equality, and technical and vocational education (TVET) in the country. "If you invest in human capital and teacher quality, the results will come," he noted.

Colgan also paid tribute to Uganda's teachers and highlighted the progress made in Karamoja, where Ireland has focused much of its support. 

He noted that classrooms in the region, once empty, are now "bulging with children," demonstrating the growing value parents place on education.

He also provided updates on Ireland's scholarship programs, revealing that over 380 Ugandans have earned master's degrees in Ireland, creating a strong alumni network.

Dr. Muyingo,  praised Colgan for ensuring learning continuity during the COVID-19 lockdowns through Ireland's rapid response and provision of study materials. 

"I still remember those study materials you helped organise when schools were shut down. That was a real friend's gesture," he said.

He acknowledged Ireland's support to the Ministry's Gender Technical Unit, which he said is almost entirely funded by the Irish government and is making remarkable progress.

Ambassador Colgan will next serve in Serbia, where he will establish a new Irish Embassy. His successor, a female diplomat and engineer with extensive experience across Africa, is expected to arrive in Uganda by early August.