On March 17, 2024, the Irish community in Kampala came together to celebrate the culmination of the annual St. Patrick's Day.

The highlight of the festivities was a charity gala event held at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel gardens, organised by the Irish Society. Over 300 guests, predominantly members of the Irish community, gathered to honour the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.

The celebrations commenced with a lavish dinner at the Ambassador's residence, setting the stage for the exciting days ahead.

The vibrant party featured the renowned Irish stout Guinness, which flowed abundantly, keeping the dance floor alive throughout the night.

Guests posing for a picture after a dinner at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Photo by Ivan Kabuye

The event was graced by the presence of the Irish Ambassador, Kelvin Colgan, who expressed his gratitude to the Irish community for their enduring bond with Uganda.

This year marked the 70th annual charity event, with representatives from the diplomatic community uniting to raise funds for noble causes. The proceeds from the gala are dedicated to supporting various charitable organisations in Kampala, with the goal of collecting sh100m for the charities, doubling the amount raised in the previous year.

Generous sponsors and the infectious enthusiasm of the attendees are instrumental in achieving this ambitious fundraising goal.

The evening was filled with music and dance, featuring the band 9 Hazel Trees from Ireland, who captivated the audience with their tunes, and a captivating Irish dance performance by Roisin Lyons.

The guests found themselves immersed in the spirit of the evening, reveling in dance and laughter, truly embracing the essence of Irish culture and heritage.

St. Patrick's Day, held annually on  March 17, commemorates the death anniversary of St. Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.

Traditionally, it is a day of feasting, parades, and a generous share of Guinness, celebrating Irish culture and heritage.

The St. Patrick's Day celebration in Kampala was a vibrant and joyous affair, bringing together the Irish community and their friends to revel in the spirit of togetherness, entertainment, and charitable giving.