KAMPALA – Uganda’s diplomatic corps is in mourning following the death of Ambassador Santa Mary Laker-Kinyera, who passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Mulago Specialized National Referral Hospital in Kampala. She was 63.
Ambassador Laker-Kinyera had been serving as Deputy High Commissioner to Rwanda, a role central to ongoing efforts to rebuild diplomatic relations between the two nations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed her death in a statement, describing her as a “towering figure” and a dedicated public servant who contributed to Uganda’s foreign policy for over three decades.
Joining the Foreign Service in 1994, Laker-Kinyera steadily advanced through the ranks, specializing in bilateral and regional affairs, peace and security, and economic integration. Her career included a significant posting as the first Chargé d’Affaires at Uganda’s Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye, where she played a key role in establishing the embassy in 2011. She also represented Uganda on numerous multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, the East African Community, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
From 2009 to 2011, Laker-Kinyera served as Private Secretary to President Yoweri Museveni for diplomatic affairs, heading the Diplomatic Affairs Department at State House. This position placed her at the center of Uganda’s foreign policy decision-making process during a period of heightened regional diplomacy.
Colleagues and members of the diplomatic community have described Ambassador Laker-Kinyera as a professional and principled diplomat deeply committed to Uganda’s national interests. She is also remembered as a mentor to many young officers within the Foreign Service.
Funeral arrangements have been announced. A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Africa Church on Thursday, March 12, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a vigil at Plot 1472, Mogi-Um Close, Naalya Heights, starting at 3:00 pm. On Friday, March 13, her body will be transported to Amuru District, with an evening vigil upon arrival. The burial will take place on Saturday, March 14, at 10:00 am in Lacor–Akurukwe, Amuru District.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet announced who will succeed Ambassador Laker-Kinyera as Deputy High Commissioner to Rwanda.
