Irish envoy launches classroom block in Moroto, bids farewell to Karamoja

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Irish Ambassador to Uganda, Mr Kevin Colgan, has commissioned a new classroom block at Kasimeri Primary School in Moroto town, Karamoja region, as he concludes his four-year tour of duty in Uganda.

During the colourful events on Wednesday, July 23, Ambassador Colgan, who addressed local leaders, education officials, and development partners, described the occasion as a testament to over two decades of Ireland’s steadfast commitment to improving education in Karamoja.

“This classroom block is not just concrete and bricks—it is a symbol of our enduring partnership with Uganda and our shared belief in the transformative power of education.”

Since 2004, we have prioritised investment in education,” Colgan noted. “In Karamoja alone, we have supported 21 primary schools, 11 secondary schools, two vocational training institutes, and a science teachers’ hostel in Kololo.”

The new commissioned classroom block at Kasimeri Primary School in Moroto, Karamoja region. (Courtesy)

The returns on education are immense,” he said. “Ireland is what we call today a knowledge society—and it is this investment in young people that made it possible,” he stated, according to a media brief from the embassy.

However, it is not just infrastructure that Ireland has invested in; the ambassador highlighted the training of thousands of teachers, bursaries for over 5,000 vulnerable learners, and skills development for 4,500 young people.

While reflecting on achievements, Ambassador Colgan also highlighted persisting challenges in the region.

He listed these to include: poor infrastructure, weak school governance, limited coordination among stakeholders, and violence against children.

“Without tackling these barriers, we risk undermining our collective efforts, ” Colgan warned.

Ireland’s focus on education, Colgan emphasised, goes hand in hand with its commitment to health and gender equality in Karamoja.

Earlier in the day, he had presided over the groundbreaking of a new blood bank at Moroto Regional Referral Hospital.

Irish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Kevin Colgan cutting the ribbon for the new block. (Courtesy)

“This facility will help ensure that life-saving blood is available where it is needed most,” he said. “It is a major milestone in our shared journey toward equitable healthcare.”

Colgan paid tribute to implementing partners working tirelessly in the region.

The farewell ceremony was deeply personal for the ambassador, who recounted the profound changes he had witnessed in Karamoja since Ireland began its focused support 20 years ago.

“I carry with me the stories and hopes of the people I have met,” he said emotionally. “This commissioning is not an ending but a new chapter of deeper solidarity and continued partnership.”

As Colgan prepares to leave Uganda, the classroom at Kasimeri Primary School stands as a legacy of his tenure and a beacon of what is possible when nations work together to invest in the next generation.

Irish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Kevin Colgan dressed in Karamojong wear. (Courtesy)

Before commissioning the classroom block, the Irish envoy visited Moroto Prison to witness firsthand the impactful work of the Uganda Law Society in enhancing access to justice for inmates.

He expressed gratitude to both the Uganda Law Society and Uganda Prison Service for their fruitful partnership, which is yielding tangible results in reducing prison overcrowding, clearing case backlogs, and upholding human rights.

Irish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Kevin Colgan visiting Moroto prison, where the Irish government has a partnership. (Courtesy)

Relatedly the UNICEF’s new Country Representative to Uganda, Dr Robin Nandy, remarked that the education programme in Karamoja has reversed some of the most troubling statistics.

“In 2016, close to 88% of schoolchildren in Karamoja either dropped out or repeated classes,” he revealed. “Today, with support from the Embassy of Ireland and the Ministry of Education and Sports, more than 260,000 children have benefited, with the Primary Leaving Examination pass rate now at 92.3% in the region.”

Irish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Kevin Colgan, being welcomed by officials of the district and the school. (Courtesy)

Dr Nandy also underscored the importance of inclusive education, noting that 240 children with disabilities have gained access to tailored support.

“This classroom block is part of a larger package that includes VIP latrines with incinerators, WASH facilities supported by Korea, and gender-sensitive infrastructure,” he explained. “Such comprehensive interventions improve not only enrolment but also retention and learning outcomes.”

Dr Nandy addressed the children directly, reminding them of their vital role in Karamoja’s future.

“You are the future of this region,” he said. “Stay in school, believe in yourselves, and with this new classroom, you are better equipped to dream and achieve.”