The Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Jeje Odongo Abubakhar, officially received Ms. Lisa Chesney MBE, the newly appointed High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Uganda. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Kampala on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, where Ms. Chesney presented her letters of credence.
During the brief but significant ceremony, General Odongo warmly welcomed Ms. Chesney to Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa.” He emphasized the long-standing partnership between Uganda and the United Kingdom, reflecting on the deep historical ties that have shaped their relationship.
General Odongo acknowledged the UK’s substantial contributions to Uganda’s development, especially in social and economic sectors. He highlighted how the UK’s various programs have played a vital role in enhancing Uganda’s progress over the years. “The United Kingdom has been an enduring and steadfast partner to Uganda,” General Odongo noted. He expressed confidence that under Ms. Chesney’s leadership, these ties would continue to strengthen and deliver even more benefits to both countries.
The minister underscored the importance of collaboration in several key areas, including trade, investment, education, health, and governance. He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to nurturing and expanding the relationship in these critical sectors, ensuring that both nations benefit from stronger partnerships.
Ms. Chesney, in turn, expressed her gratitude for the warm reception she received in Uganda. She spoke highly of the relationship between Uganda and the United Kingdom, noting the mutual respect and cooperation that have marked their interactions over time. “I am honored to take up this role and excited about the opportunity to build on the excellent relations that exist between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” Ms. Chesney said.
Before her current role in Uganda, Ms. Chesney served as the UK’s envoy to Liberia since 2021. Drawing on her previous diplomatic experience, she reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Uganda in addressing critical global challenges, such as climate change and sustainable development.
Ms. Chesney further emphasized the importance of tackling issues related to climate change and economic growth, noting that these are areas where Uganda and the UK can continue to collaborate closely. “I look forward to working closely with the Ugandan government to further our shared goals of economic growth, addressing climate change, and protecting the environment,” she said.
Both parties reaffirmed the need for continued cooperation on global and regional issues. With shared priorities and a history of collaboration, it is anticipated that Uganda and the UK will continue to enjoy strong bilateral relations under Ms. Chesney’s tenure.
Uganda-UK Key Areas of Cooperation
| Area of Cooperation | Focus |
|---|---|
| Trade & Investment | Strengthening economic ties and boosting trade partnerships |
| Education | Expanding educational opportunities and exchange programs |
| Health | Collaborating on health sector development and healthcare |
| Governance | Supporting efforts to improve governance and accountability |
| Climate Change | Working together to address global climate challenges |
