The people of Karamoja on Tuesday bid a heartfelt farewell to Ireland’s outgoing Ambassador to Uganda, Kevin Colgan, marking the end of a four-year diplomatic tour characterized by deep partnerships and impactful development work across the region.
As part of his final engagements, Ambassador Colgan commissioned education and health projects in Moroto and Napak districts, reaffirming Ireland’s long-standing commitment to uplifting marginalized communities in Uganda.
In Moroto District, the Ambassador inaugurated a new classroom block at Kasimeri Primary School.
The structure, funded by the Embassy of Ireland through UNICEF, aims to reduce overcrowding and improve learning conditions for hundreds of pupils.
Later in the day, he traveled to Lokodokodoi Primary School in Napak, where he officially handed over mattresses and metallic boxes intended to support the reintegration of children who had previously lived on the streets.
The donations are part of a wider initiative to stabilize the lives of vulnerable children and keep them in school.
Dr Robin Nandy, Unicef country representative, praised the responsiveness of the intervention.
“Previously, we had provided sanitary facilities to improve hygiene and learning conditions. This time, the school asked for beddings and metallic boxes, which we gladly provided to support these children more holistically,” he said.
The farewell tour culminated with a groundbreaking ceremony for a blood bank at Moroto Regional Hospital — the first of its kind in the sub-region.
Co-funded by the Irish Embassy and implemented by CUAMM (Doctors with Africa), the new facility will address the acute shortage of blood supplies critical for emergency, maternal, and pediatric care.
“This facility will ensure blood is available to meet a range of needs — from maternity wards to accident units. We also want to use this opportunity to improve the quality and management of health data, which is critical for delivering better services,” said CUAMM Country Director Peter Lochoro.
In his remarks, Ambassador Colgan reflected on Ireland’s two-decade partnership with Uganda and particularly with Karamoja — a region that has historically suffered from underinvestment and high poverty levels.
“Since 2004, the Embassy of Ireland has prioritized investments in education — supporting the Government of Uganda to increase equitable access to quality education and training,” he said.
“We have also worked closely with CUAMM and the Ministry of Health to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services.”
Local leaders praised the Ambassador’s commitment and tangible impact during his tenure.
“The Embassy of Ireland, CUAMM, and UNICEF have been true friends to the people of Karamoja. Their investments have transformed our region, especially in education and health,” said Justin Tuko, the Resident District Commissioner for Moroto.
As Ambassador Colgan prepares to leave Uganda, his legacy is reflected in classrooms filled with eager learners, facilities offering life-saving health care, and communities given new hope through sustained partnership and cooperation.
His departure marks not just the end of a diplomatic assignment, but the continuation of a shared journey between Uganda and Ireland in pursuit of inclusive development.
