President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Ireland for its constructive global role and reaffirmed the need for deeper Africa–West engagement as he bid farewell to the outgoing Irish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Kevin Colgan.
The farewell meeting took place on July 29, 2025, at State House Entebbe. President Museveni praised Ambassador Colgan for his dedicated diplomatic service and Ireland’s long-standing partnership with Uganda.
“I am very happy to meet you and thank you for your good service. I wish you good luck in your next posting,” Museveni said.
Ambassador Colgan, who first served in Uganda in the late 1990s and returned in 2020 for a second term, leaves behind a legacy of development cooperation and advocacy for inclusive growth.
Reflecting on global trade and economic transformation, President Museveni emphasized the importance of mutual prosperity.
“If you want someone to buy from you, they must have purchasing power. That’s why it doesn’t make sense to want to trade with poor people. You need rich people to trade better,” he said.
He called for a new era of honest dialogue between Africa and the West, free from historical baggage.
“Ireland has played a positive role because you don’t carry the same baggage of past wrongs. We need more dialogue between Africa and the West. There are many mistakes being made that we could help correct and there is no need for unnecessary conflicts. We should be talking,” he added.
The President also reflected on Africa’s journey to liberation, identifying himself as part of the third generation of freedom fighters. He shared his early economic frustrations, including the rejection of his plan to build a steel factory in Uganda, a decision he said underscored how Africa had been held back by flawed global policies.
“When I had come to the government, I wanted to start up a steel factory but was told not to build it in Uganda because there was too much steel in the world. Then China rose, and the price of steel jumped from $200 to $900 per ton. That shows you how global prosperity benefits everyone, including us,” he noted.
In his remarks, Ambassador Colgan expressed gratitude for Uganda’s progress and hospitality.
“When I first came in the 1990s, Uganda was facing serious challenges like HIV/AIDS. But coming back 20 years later, I’ve witnessed incredible change — from infrastructure to healthcare, and children in school,” he said.
Colgan also applauded Museveni’s leadership and strong voice for Pan-Africanism and regional integration.
“Your Excellency, we recognize your strong voice for internal development and Pan-Africanism. Just like the European Union, which has not seen war among member states for many years, we believe in removing artificial barriers to economic prosperity,” he said.
He affirmed Ireland’s continued support for Uganda, particularly in education and the Karamoja region.
“Ireland is increasing its development funding and will continue supporting Uganda,” he said.
Recalling a memorable moment, Colgan highlighted a 2022 education event where he spoke before President Museveni and First Lady Maama Janet Museveni.
“One of my proudest moments was making a six-minute speech before you and Maama Janet. I then listened to your powerful speech about your vision to introduce Universal Primary and Secondary Education. I saw how passionate you are about the development of your country while including everyone,” he said.
He concluded with affection for a Ugandan favorite: “I hope my family and I can find Ugandan coffee where I am going. It’s the best.”
Ambassador Colgan will now serve in Serbia in his next diplomatic assignment.
