Ministers offer retired diplomats farmland in Gulu
Outgoing Irish Ambassador to Uganda Kevin Colgan chats with Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa (2nd left) and a commissioner with Uganda Human Rights Commission Krispin Kaheru (right), during the St Patrick's Day celebrations last Thursday. PHOTO/STEPHEN OTAGE
What you need to know:
Mr Henry Oryem Okello made the revelations during St Patrick’s Day celebrations held at the Irish Ambassador’s residence in Kololo, Kampala, last Thursday
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has invited diplomats who have completed their tenure in Uganda but wish to remain in the country to approach the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs to acquire land in Gulu.
Mr Henry Oryem Okello made the revelations during St Patrick’s Day celebrations held at the Irish Ambassador’s residence in Kololo, Kampala, last Thursday.
He said Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao sought his views on allowing retiring diplomats to engage in farming or livestock keeping in Uganda.
"I believe it was Norbert Mao who said that all ambassadors intending to retire are welcome to Uganda. So, if you need some land to keep goats and cows, contact Mao—he will arrange for land in Gulu,’’ he said.
He highlighted the longstanding cooperation between Ireland and Uganda, spanning 34 years, particularly in sustainable development sectors such as education, peace, social protection, trade, and climate change.
Mr Oryem also pointed out opportunities in energy resource exploitation and addressing climate change issues, especially in refugee communities where deforestation has become a pressing concern.
Mr Kevin Colgan, the outgoing Irish Ambassador to Uganda, reflected on the challenges of his four-year tenure, including the Covid-19 restrictions, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the wars in Sudan, South Sudan, and eastern DR Congo.
However, he noted that Uganda has also seen positive developments, citing the country's ebola response and the rollout of ebola vaccines. He praised initiatives such as Hospice Uganda, founded by Anne Merriman, which provides daily care for the poorest and most ill individuals, reinforcing his personal connection to Uganda.
Mr Oryem further affirmed Ireland’s continued commitment to Uganda, particularly in education, human rights, good governance, and economic partnerships, with a specific focus on Karamoja.
He noted that by hosting the NAM and G77 summits, Uganda had demonstrated its strong dedication to promoting consensus as a means of addressing global challenges.
