EU envoy Sadek hosts memorial for conservation icon Goodall
The memorial brought together partners from the conservation fraternity, including First Daughter Diana Museveni Kyaremera, who joined guests in celebrating Dr Goodall’s extraordinary legacy and reaffirming the shared EU–Uganda commitment to protecting the environment.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on Dr JaneGoodall’s signature message: What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. (Courtesy photos)
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European Union Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek has hosted a memorial reception in honour of trailblazing primatologist Dr Jane Goodall whose life’s work continues to transform global conservation and inspires generations across continents.
The November 20, 2025, event held at the ambassador's residence in Kampala, took place during a week that the mission had eagerly anticipated welcoming Dr Goodall back to Uganda. Instead, dignitaries, conservationists, family friends and admirers gathered in sombre reflection following her passing on October 1, 2025.
Ambassador Sadek recalled his personal encounters with the celebrated scientist, particularly her visit to Uganda two years ago.
“I remember with gratitude the reception we held here when Dr Goodall visited Uganda. We welcomed her, listened to her and witnessed the energy, compassion and humility that accompanied her formidable intellect. It left a deep impression on me, and I know, on many of you,” he said.
The memorial brought together partners from the conservation fraternity, including First Daughter Diana Museveni Kyaremera, who joined guests in celebrating Dr Goodall’s extraordinary legacy and reaffirming the shared EU–Uganda commitment to protecting the environment.
The evening was punctuated with thoughtful tributes, among them a surprise spoken-word eulogy delivered by Standard Chartered Bank Uganda chief executive officer Sanjay Rughani. His performance - complete with the iconic chimpanzee pant-hoot call - drew emotional applause, reminding many of the passion Dr Goodall ignited for chimpanzees and the natural world.
Some of the guests who attended the event.
Representing the tourism minister Col. (rtd) Tom Butime, ministry permanent secretary Doreen Katusiime conveyed government's appreciation for Goodall’s work and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s chimpanzee populations and advancing the conservation values she championed.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on Goodall’s signature message: What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.
It is a philosophy that has shaped conservation movements globally and influenced Uganda’s own efforts in wildlife protection, research and community engagement.
Goodall (3 April 1934 – 1 October 2025) was an English primatologist and anthropologist whose groundbreaking research in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park redefined humanity’s understanding of primates. Her discovery that chimpanzees make and use tools challenged long-held scientific beliefs and laid the foundation for modern primate ethology.
Often described as “the world’s preeminent chimpanzee expert,” Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots, empowering millions of young people to take action for animals, people and the planet.
For Uganda, a country home to one of the world’s largest remaining chimpanzee populations, Dr Goodall’s work resonated deeply, influencing policy, research, eco-tourism and community conservation.
As candles flickered in her memory at the EU Residence, guests agreed that Goodall’s legacy would continue to shape conservation in Uganda and beyond. Her message of hope, curiosity and compassion - values celebrated throughout the evening - remains a rallying call for global environmental stewardship.
In the words of Ambassador Sadek, the gathering was not only a farewell, but a recommitment to the mission she lived for: “protecting our shared planet for generations to come.”