President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has received credentials from three new Ambassadors-designate to Uganda, signaling renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation.
The envoys include Ms. Margaret Gaynor of Ireland, Mrs. Virginie Leroy of France, and Ms. Morakot Janemathukorn of Thailand. The ceremony took place at State House Entebbe, where the President pledged to deepen Uganda’s partnerships with the three nations in key sectors such as education, infrastructure, security, and socio-economic transformation.
France, Ireland, and Thailand collectively represent some of Uganda’s fastest-growing trade partners in recent years. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS):
France–Uganda trade was valued at USD 52 million in 2024, dominated by machinery imports and agricultural exports, including coffee and fish. French companies have also invested in Uganda’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
Ireland–Uganda relations have historically been rooted in development cooperation, particularly in education and health. Ireland is also a growing market for Ugandan coffee, with exports increasing by 15% between 2022 and 2024.
Thailand–Uganda trade remains modest at USD 9 million annually, but opportunities exist in agro-processing, tourism, and textile markets, given Thailand’s strong manufacturing base.
Uganda’s total exports grew by 7.2% in 2024, reaching USD 4.5 billion, while imports rose to USD 9.7 billion. Strengthening bilateral agreements with emerging and traditional partners is seen as key to narrowing the trade deficit and attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI).
Over the past decade, Uganda has actively sought to diversify its diplomatic and economic relations beyond the traditional East African Community (EAC) and COMESA blocs. The country has signed trade and investment agreements with European Union member states, Asian economies, and Middle Eastern partners.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that FDI inflows into Uganda stood at USD 1.5 billion in 2023, largely concentrated in oil and gas, real estate, and manufacturing. The arrival of new envoys from Ireland, France, and Thailand is expected to unlock further cooperation in technology transfer, renewable energy, agricultural value chains, and skills development.
President Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s strategic focus is on socio-economic transformation, highlighting the government’s industrialization agenda under Vision 2040 and the Parish Development Model (PDM). He urged the new ambassadors to champion investments that can boost value addition in agriculture, create jobs, and enhance trade linkages.
The envoys, also pledged to work closely with Uganda in broadening diplomatic and economic ties, promoting cultural exchanges, and supporting the country’s development priorities.
With these new appointments, Uganda’s diplomatic corps now represents more than 45 countries actively accredited, underlining Kampala’s ambition to position itself as a hub for investment, trade, and international cooperation in the Great Lakes and East African region.