Clonkill woman appointed Irish ambassador to Uganda

Clonkill woman Margaret (Mags) Gaynor has been appointed Irish Ambassador to Uganda, and was recently received by, and officially presented her credentials to, President Yoweri Museveni at State House, Entebbe.

Margaret is the daughter of Frank and Monica Gaynor. Frank is a past player and secretary of Clonkill hurling club, and a staunch supporter of the club. Mags brings with her wide diplomatic experience, having served as deputy head of mission and co-operation at the Irish Embassy in Tanzania. She succeeds Kevin Colgan, who served from 2021 as Irish Ambassador to Uganda.

In a post on the official website of the Embassy of Ireland in Kampala, Margaret said it was her great privilege to serve as Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda and Rwanda over the next four years. Ireland provides consular assistance to Rwanda via the Embassy in Uganda.

Ms Gaynor said she hoped “to continue to strengthen the ties of friendship between our countries and to experience the many wonderful sights and sounds of this beautiful region”.

“Ireland and Uganda share an enduring friendship – from the first missionaries in the early 20th century to the deepening cultural and economic links today. Since 1903, there has been a continuous Irish presence in Uganda and we are proud to have stood alongside you during many of the country’s most significant milestones,” the new ambassador stated.

In 2024, Ireland celebrated 30 years of physical presence in Uganda and 20 years of continued support to the Karamoja region. “We continue to build on our commitment to human rights, gender equality, protecting civil society space and investing in future generations. We remain committed to a mutually beneficial partnership with Uganda and to our ultimate ambition of benefiting the furthest behind first,” Ms Gaynor stated.

She said she looked forward to meeting the Irish community. Ireland has a strong diaspora in Uganda and Irish people and institutions contribute to many fields, including education, healthcare and business, Ms Gaynor acknowledged. She said Irish business interests in the country are growing and “we continue to see Irish culture being promoted and celebrated throughout the country”. The new ambassador expressed delight that there are now nine schools in Uganda that play traditional Irish sports, and that the first club on the African continent to be affiliated with the Gaelic Athletic Association is in Uganda.

“At a global level, Ireland and Uganda have shared priorities in climate action and pandemic preparedness. Perhaps most central to our relationship is our shared appreciation for community and peace-building – in lifting each other up and ensuring no one is left behind,” Ms Gaynor remarked.

She spoke of Ireland’s deep attachment to the importance of education and skills for all members of society, ensuring that each generation is equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. “Through the Ireland Fellows Programme, we continue to nurture future leaders, develop in-country capacity and to build positive relationships between Uganda, Rwanda and Ireland,” Ms Gaynor said.