Kampala, Uganda: The opening of Grenada’s first-ever consulate in Kampala, Uganda’s Capital, is set to unlock new opportunities for Ugandans in tourism, medical education, healthcare employment and trade, officials have said.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday, January 28, as Her Excellency Samalie Nambooze presented credentials as newly appointed Honorary Consul of the Caribbean country to Uganda. She was received by Hon Henry Okello Oryem, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), at the Ministry Headquarters in Kampala.
Speaking to journalists at the media briefing, Mr Oryem said although Grenada may appear geographically distant, it holds strategic value for Uganda, particularly in multilateral diplomacy.
“In terms of international relations, Grenada is a very important country,” Oryem said, noting its role at the United Nations General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, and at times the UN Security Council. “When we need allies to stand with Uganda or African positions, countries like Grenada are very useful.”
The Minister pledged full institutional support to the new consulate, urging it to remain active and visible in promoting bilateral engagement.
Oryem also advised the new consul to actively engage other diplomatic missions in Kampala to fully integrate into the diplomatic community.
In her remarks, Amb. Nambooze, 35, said her appointment aims to strengthen diplomatic, trade and tourism ties between Uganda and Grenada, relations she noted date back to 1974.
A major breakthrough, she revealed, is a planned direct airline connection between Africa and the Caribbean, which would include Grenada and neighbouring islands such as Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Dominica, among others.
“Grenada is working together with other Caribbean countries to establish a direct airline connecting Africa to the Caribbean,” Nambooze said. “I am hopeful that by the end of this year, this will be achieved.”
Once operational, Nambooze says the route would remove the need for Ugandans to transit through the United States, Canada or Europe, significantly lowering travel barriers for tourism and business.
Medical Schools, Healthcare Jobs
Beyond tourism, the new consulate is expected to open medical education and employment pathways for Ugandans.
Nambooze highlighted Grenada’s internationally recognised medical schools, which provide graduates with access to work placements in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
“Studying medicine in Grenada gives you the opportunity to secure work placement in countries such as the US and UK,” she said.
Officials say this presents opportunities for medical students, nurses, paramedics and other health professionals, while Grenada’s expanding hospitality sector could absorb Ugandans skilled in hotel management, catering and tourism services.
Grenada and its longstanding relationship with Uganda
Diplomatic relations between Grenada and Uganda date back to the early 1990s, with formal ties established in 1994, anchored in shared membership within the United Nations and the broader Global South diplomatic bloc.
Although the two countries have historically maintained low-volume direct trade and limited high-level bilateral visits, their relationship has been sustained through multilateral diplomacy, particularly cooperation and mutual support at the UN General Assembly, the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and other international forums where small and developing states often rely on strategic alliances.
Grenada has, at different times, served as an elected member of key UN bodies, making it a valuable diplomatic partner for Uganda and African states seeking consensus-building and vote support on global issues ranging from development financing to human rights and peacekeeping.
The opening of Grenada’s first Honorary Consulate in Kampala marks the most significant upgrade in bilateral relations since the 1990s, shifting engagement from symbolic diplomacy to practical cooperation—especially in tourism, medical education, healthcare employment, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
Grenada is a small island state in the eastern Caribbean, known globally for its stable democracy, tourism economy, and strong education sector—particularly in medical training. Often referred to as the “Spice Isle”, Grenada has built a reputation as a hub for hospitality, offshore education and international cooperation.
Foreign Ministry officials say the consulate marks a shift from symbolic diplomacy to practical, opportunity-driven cooperation, positioning Ugandans to benefit from new global partnerships beyond traditional destinations.
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