KAMPALA.President Museveni has formally received credentials from three new Ambassadors-designate to Uganda, pledging stronger bilateral cooperation with Ireland, France, and Thailand in areas of education, infrastructure, security, trade, and socio-economic transformation.
The new envoys include Ms. Margaret Gaynor of Ireland, Mrs. Virginie Leroy of France, and Ms. Morakot Janemathukorn of Thailand.
Uganda–Ireland ties
In his meeting with Ireland’s Ambassador-designate, Ms. Gaynor, President Museveni emphasized Uganda’s ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment and girl-child education as critical pillars for the country’s development.
“That FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) is bad biology, but it is fading away. We are expanding and emphasizing girl-child education and women empowerment programmes. Previously, women were excluded and reduced to being housewives and dependents all the time, and when the husband dies, the family depends on the eldest son in the family. This is going to stop,” the President remarked.
On economic development, Museveni underscored Uganda’s strategy of driving socio-economic transformation through four key sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT.
Ambassador Gaynor, who succeeds H.E Kevin Colgan, brings wide diplomatic experience, having served as Deputy Head of Mission and Cooperation at the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania. She was accompanied by her spouse, Mr. Jean-Louis Brudey, Deputy Head of Mission Ms. Jill Clements, Second Secretary Ms. Caoimhe O’Hagan, and Economic Adviser, Mr. Peter Michael Oumo.
Uganda and Ireland have enjoyed diplomatic relations for over three decades, with Ireland’s support playing a pivotal role in strengthening education systems, particularly in enhancing access, quality and equity.
Uganda–France relations
President Museveni also welcomed back Mrs. Virginie Leroy, France’s new Ambassador-designate, who previously served in Uganda between 2014 and 2019.
Expressing gratitude to France for its consistent support in infrastructure development, Museveni noted: “I not only want infrastructure, but also support in wealth creation.”
He further commended France for its role in training the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in mountain warfare, which he described as vital for strengthening national security.
Ambassador Leroy said she was delighted to return to Uganda.
“I’m so delighted to return to the Pearl of Africa as France’s new Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Uganda. Looking forward to reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and further advancing the long-standing Uganda-France partnership.”
She was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission, Mrs. Janyce Obrecht, Defence Attaché LCL, Mr. Sebastien Berger, Head of Economic Service, Mr. Gregory Sidrack and Mr. Marc Trouyet, the Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Uganda.
Uganda–Thailand partnership
The President also received credentials from Ms. Janemathukorn, Thailand’s new Ambassador-designate to Uganda. She was accompanied by First Secretary, Mr. Thitiwoot Techapun, Uganda’s Honorary Consul, H.E. Barbra Mulwana, and Administrative Assistant, Mr. Andrew Orwenyo Mokua.
Discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Uganda and Thailand, with emphasis on trade, investment, and cultural cooperation.
The ceremony, held at State House Entebbe, was attended by senior government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Odong Jeje Abubakhar.