President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni convened with His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at State House Entebbe on Monday.
Prince Edward, a member of the British royal family, youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, engaged in discussions with President Museveni regarding bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, President Museveni articulated his eagerness to foster collaborations with British investors and enhance tourism from the United Kingdom, stressing the potential for mutual economic growth and prosperity. He highlighted his directive to the British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E Kate Airey, to facilitate these endeavors, underscoring the priority placed on bolstering business and tourism partnerships.
“I tasked Ms. Airey to bring me investors, British companies, and tourists. That is what I am interested in from her. Then we have our Commonwealth cooperation, otherwise, it is mainly investments and tourists from the UK,” the President stated.
President Museveni also conveyed his well wishes for King Charles III’s speedy recovery upon receiving updates on his health from Prince Edward during the meeting.
Conversely, the Duke of Edinburgh expressed keen interest in Uganda, expressing intentions to return with his family to further explore the country. He specifically expressed a desire to visit Uganda’s renowned gorillas, acknowledging the importance of promoting tourism for both nations.
In addition to economic discussions, Prince Edward shared insights into the Commonwealth’s initiatives aimed at engaging youth through leadership programs, including the Youth Leadership Program passed during the last CHOGM. As the chair/patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, he underscored the program’s transformative impact on youth, empowering them to drive positive change within their communities.
“We are happy to come back here to Uganda; I was last here in 2011. Through this youth program, we believe in a youth without limits, regardless of background, culture, or ability. We believe in bringing communities together, sharing skills, and creating opportunities,” the prince remarked.
Mr. Blick William, chairperson of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Uganda, elaborated on the organization’s mission to empower young Ugandans through service and skill development. He outlined ambitious goals to expand the program’s reach with support from corporate sponsors and the government, aiming to reach 150,000 participants in the next few years.
During the meeting, Mr. Blick also proposed President Museveni to become the patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program in Uganda, highlighting its potential impact on the nation’s youth development. Acknowledging the significance of such youth-focused initiatives, President Museveni accepted the role of patron, recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
H.E. Airey reaffirmed the enduring bond between the UK and Uganda, emphasizing the necessity for sustained collaboration across generations. She echoed President Museveni’s vision for youth empowerment, suggesting successful models from the UK that could be adapted and implemented in Uganda.
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Monica Mbabazi is a celebrated multimedia Ugandan Journalist currently working as a news anchor on Top Radio and BTM Television. She is also a writer with Plus News Uganda. More by Monica Mbabazi
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