Uganda Mourns the Passing of Ambassador Santa Mary Laker Kinyera

Ambassador Santa Mary Laker Kinyera, Uganda’s Deputy High Commissioner to Rwanda, has passed away at Mulago Specialized National Referral Hospital after battling an undisclosed illness. 

The Ugandan diplomatic community is in mourning following the sudden death of Ambassador Santa Mary Laker Kinyera, a respected career diplomat who served as Deputy High Commissioner at Uganda’s High Commission in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced her passing on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, describing it as a “profound shock and sorrow.” Ambassador Kinyera succumbed to an undisclosed illness earlier that morning at Mulago Specialized National Referral Hospital in Kampala, where she had been receiving treatment.

A stalwart of Uganda’s Foreign Service since joining in 1994, Ambassador Kinyera rose through the ranks with distinction, holding key positions that shaped the nation’s international engagement.

Her career highlights include serving as Private Secretary to the President of Uganda in charge of diplomatic affairs at State House (2009–2011), where she headed the Diplomatic Affairs Department.

In 2011, she was tasked with pioneering Uganda’s diplomatic presence in Turkey, opening the Embassy in Ankara and serving as its first Chargé d’Affaires ad interim while holding the rank of Counsellor.

Over the years, she represented Uganda at multilateral and regional platforms, including the East African Community (EAC), African Union (AU), Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Her expertise spanned bilateral peace and security, economic cooperation, and regional integration. Ambassador Kinyera also contributed to global forums, notably advising Uganda’s delegation during the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.

She held academic credentials including a BA Honours from Makerere University, a Master’s in Social Science (Development and International Relations) from Aalborg University in Denmark, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management from the Uganda Management Institute.

At the time of her death, she was Deputy Head of Mission in Kigali, a posting that aligned with efforts to strengthen Uganda-Rwanda bilateral ties amid evolving regional dynamics. Colleagues and officials remember her as a committed professional whose work advanced Uganda’s interests with integrity and dedication.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep condolences to her family, friends, and the broader diplomatic fraternity, noting her contributions as a “significant loss” to the nation’s foreign service. Details on funeral arrangements are expected to be released soon.