Uganda’s diplomatic community is mourning the death of Ambassador Santa Laker Kinyera, a seasoned career diplomat who has been serving as the country’s Deputy High Commissioner in Rwanda.
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Uganda announced with “profound shock and sorrow” the passing of Amb. Santa Laker Kinyera. According to the ministry, she died this morning at Mulago Specialized National Referral Hospital.
Amb. Kinyera joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1994 as a career diplomat and steadily rose through the ranks over three decades of public service. Throughout her tenure, she served in various capacities, earning respect for her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to advancing Uganda’s foreign policy interests.
At the time of her passing, she was serving as Uganda’s Deputy High Commissioner in Kigali, Rwanda — a key diplomatic posting given the strategic and sometimes delicate relations between Kampala and Kigali. Her role involved strengthening bilateral ties, promoting trade and regional cooperation, and representing Uganda in official engagements.
Colleagues at the ministry described her as a disciplined and experienced diplomat who mentored many young officers within the foreign service. Her death marks a significant loss to Uganda’s diplomatic corps, particularly at a time when regional engagement remains a central pillar of the country’s foreign relations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said details regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Amb. Kinyera’s passing leaves a gap in Uganda’s diplomatic service and brings to a close more than 30 years of distinguished service to the nation.
