President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today bid farewell to the outgoing Irish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Kevin Colgan, at State House, Entebbe.
During the meeting, President Museveni praised Ambassador Colgan for his diplomatic contributions and highlighted the long-standing partnership between Ireland and Uganda.
“I am very pleased to meet you and thank you for your excellent service. I wish you all the best in your next assignment,” he said.
Ambassador Colgan had previously served in Uganda in the late 1990s and returned in 2020 for a second term as Ambassador, which has now concluded.
President Museveni discussed key global and regional issues, emphasizing fair trade, economic transformation, and the historical lessons from Africa’s liberation struggle.
“How can you have prosperity without a connection between goods, services, and consumers? Production and consumption cannot be one-sided. If you want someone to buy from you, they must have the purchasing power. That’s why trading with poor people doesn’t make sense. You need rich people for better trade,” he stated.
“How can people have money if they’re poor? And how can they get rich if they don’t process anything? It’s in our interest for Africa to rise, so we can all benefit from trade. That’s why I always say that those who buy from us are helping us.”
“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. Many mistakes are being made that we could help correct, and there’s no need for unnecessary conflicts. We should be talking,” President Museveni remarked.
He also reflected on Africa’s historical journey to liberation, positioning himself as part of the third generation of freedom fighters.
“The first generation began around 1912, the second included leaders like Julius Nyerere, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, and Jomo Kenyatta in the 1940s. We were the third generation in the 1960s. So, there are still many lessons the West could learn from our experience,” he said.
Museveni highlighted missed opportunities in Africa’s industrialization, attributing them to misguided global policies.
“When I came into government, I wanted to start a steel factory, but I was advised against it, as there was already too much steel in the world. Then China rose, and the price of steel shot up from $200 to $900 per ton. That shows how global prosperity benefits everyone, including us,” President Museveni shared.
Ambassador Colgan, in his remarks, expressed deep appreciation for Uganda's transformation and resilience over the years.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here. 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.
“I could hardly recognize Kampala when I returned. Uganda has a great spirit, and my wife and I are very sad to leave,” he added.
Ambassador Colgan commended President Museveni’s leadership and advocacy for regional integration and Pan-Africanism.
“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 stated.
He also reiterated Ireland’s commitment to development cooperation with Uganda.
“Ireland is increasing its development funding and will continue supporting Uganda, particularly in education and in Karamoja. This reflects our confidence in the progress Uganda is making,” he added.
Ambassador Colgan also shared a personal highlight from his time in Uganda during an education event in Lugogo in 2022, attended by President Museveni and First Lady Maama Janet Museveni.
“One of my proudest moments was making a six-minute speech before you and Maama Janet,” he said.
“I then listened to your powerful speech about your vision for Universal Primary and Secondary Education. I was so impressed by your commitment to education for all. That really touched me, and I saw how passionate you are about the development of your country while including everyone,” he added.
He concluded with heartfelt praise for one of Uganda’s most beloved exports, saying, “I hope my family and I can find Ugandan coffee where I’m going. It’s the best.”
Ambassador Colgan is now heading to his next diplomatic posting in Serbia.