Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Rwanda, Santa Laker Kinyera, Dies in Kampala
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda has announced the death of Ambassador Santa Laker Kinyera, who was serving at Uganda’s Embassy in Rwanda. She passed away at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
According to information confirmed on March 3, 2026, Ambassador Santa Laker Kinyera died in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The cause of her death was not immediately disclosed. At the time of her passing, she was serving as Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Rwanda.
Amb. Kinyera played a significant role in strengthening and restoring bilateral relations between Uganda and Rwanda, particularly in the areas of trade, security cooperation, and cross-border movement. Her diplomatic efforts were especially notable during a period when relations between the two neighboring countries had deteriorated, leading to the closure of shared border posts.
She was among the key officials involved in behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at easing tensions and facilitating the reopening of borders, working tirelessly with counterparts on both sides to rebuild trust and normalize relations.
Ambassador Kinyera began her career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1994, marking more than three decades of service as a diplomat. Throughout her distinguished career, she held various high-level diplomatic assignments, including serving as Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and representing the country in multiple international postings.
