On Thursday, March 12 2026, the Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to Uganda- H.E. Mags Gaynor, hosted members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and Irish friends in Kampala for a reception to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at her residence.
Guests were welcomed to an evening of Irish hospitality, music and cultural celebration. Attendees mingled over drinks and conversation, raising their glasses in a toast to the decades-long friendship between the two nations. Among the beverages served was Guinness, one of Ireland’s most iconic and recognisable exports. The evening also featured live entertainment that added to the festive atmosphere to the event.
On behalf of the Government and people of Uganda, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, conveyed warm greetings and congratulations to Ireland on the national celebration honouring the country’s rich history, culture, and heritage.
“This occasion provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the strong and longstanding friendship between Uganda and Ireland,” Tayebwa said. “Our partnership dates back more than a century, beginning with the arrival of Irish missionaries in Uganda who made remarkable contributions in education, health and community development.”
Tayebwa noted that although Ireland formally opened its embassy in Kampala in 1994, the connection between the two countries stretches back much earlier, particularly through the work of Irish missionaries who helped shape education, health services and community development in Uganda.
“Ireland remains a valued partner in Uganda’s development journey,” he said. “Through programmes such as the Karamoja Bursary Programme and the Irish Fellowship Programme, many young Ugandans have been able to access quality education and develop skills that contribute to the development of our country.”
He also emphasized Uganda’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Ireland as the country advances its national transformation agenda under Uganda Vision 2040.
In her remarks, Ambassador Gaynor highlighted the deep ties between the two nations, describing the celebration as both a cultural moment and an opportunity to strengthen partnerships.
“St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated across the world as a moment to honour Irish culture and heritage, but it is also an opportunity to celebrate the friendships Ireland has built globally, including the strong partnership we share with Uganda,” H.E. Gaynor said.
She also highlighted Ireland’s continued development cooperation in Uganda, noting the country’s commitment to supporting communities across key sectors.
“Ireland is proud to partner with Uganda in areas such as education and skills development,” she said. “In regions like Karamoja, our programmes are expanding educational opportunities and improving livelihoods, while supporting education infrastructure, vocational training, healthcare and community resilience.”
Other guests in attendance included the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Henry Oryem Okello; the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo; and the Chairman of the Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) Board, Jimmy Mugerwa. In Uganda, UBL is home to several of the Irish beverages celebrated during the evening, including Guinness, as well as other well-known Irish drinks such as Roe & Co Whiskey and Baileys.
The reception was one of several activities marking St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Kampala this year. The festivities will continue with a larger public celebration scheduled for March 14 at the Sheraton Gardens, bringing together music, themed experiences and Irish hospitality, with Guinness once again expected to feature prominently in the celebrations.
