Kampala, Uganda: Grenada has opened its first-ever consulate in Kampala, Uganda’s Capital, after its Honorary Consul, Ambassador Samalie Nambooze, presented her credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
Nambooze, 35, presented her credentials on Wednesday, January 28, to Hon Henry Okello Oryem, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking at the media briefing, Hon Oryem highlighted the strategic importance of Grenada to Uganda, particularly within multilateral diplomacy.
“Grenada may appear small and distant on the map, but it is very important in international relations,” Oryem said, noting its role at the United Nations General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, and, at times, the UN Security Council.
“When Uganda or Africa needs allies, countries like Grenada can offer meaningful support.”
Oryem pledged the Ministry’s full support to the new consulate and advised the Honorary Consul to actively engage the diplomatic community in Kampala to ensure the mission remains effective and visible.
Strengthening Ties Dating Back to the 1990s
In her remarks, Nambooze said her appointment is aimed at revitalising diplomatic, trade and tourism relations between Uganda and Grenada—ties that date back to the early 1990s, with formal diplomatic relations established in 1994.
“This appointment is about strengthening already existing relations between Grenada and Uganda,” Nambooze said. “My role is to build stronger diplomatic, trade and tourism linkages between the two countries.”
She noted that while the two states have historically enjoyed cordial relations, the opening of a consulate in Kampala signals a shift toward practical, opportunity-driven cooperation.
Tourism, Medical Education and Jobs
Nambooze highlighted plans by Caribbean states, including Grenada, to establish a direct airline connection between Africa and the Caribbean, potentially eliminating the need for Ugandans to transit through Europe or North America.
“Grenada is working together with other Caribbean islands to establish a direct airline connecting Africa to the Caribbean,” she said, expressing optimism that the initiative could be realised before the end of the year.
She also pointed to medical education and healthcare opportunities for Ugandans, noting that Grenada hosts internationally recognised medical schools whose graduates often secure work placements in the United States and United Kingdom.
Officials said the consulate will also facilitate access to opportunities in hospitality, tourism, nursing, paramedical services, trade and investment, especially as connectivity improves.
Business Community Welcomes Move
Kampala businessman Dick Kizito Ssekalala, proprietor of Kizito Towers and father to the new consul, congratulated Nambooze on her appointment, urging Ugandans to leverage the consulate to explore business and investment prospects in Grenada.
Officials say the consulate’s opening reflects growing South–South cooperation, positioning Uganda to benefit from diversified global partnerships beyond traditional destinations.
The Grenada Honorary Consulate in Uganda is located at Plot 47, Mabirizi Complex, Kampala Road, the East African country’s city centre.
The function was graced by the Vietnamese Honorary Consul to Uganda, H.E Ceasor Mulenga, Businessman Stewart Mabirizi son to late City Businessman Godfrey Mabirizi and elder brother to Samalie Nambooze Mabirizi, among others.
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