President Museveni extends his heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to King Charles III.

Today, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, at State House Entebbe. Prince Edward, a member of the British royal family and the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Philip, engaged in discussions with the President.

During their meeting, President Museveni expressed his keenness to collaborate with British investors and attract more tourists from the United Kingdom, emphasizing the potential for mutual growth and prosperity. He conveyed his specific instructions to the British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E Kate Airey, to facilitate these endeavors, underscoring the priority placed on fostering business partnerships and promoting tourism.

President Museveni “I have 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 mainly involves investments and tourists from the UK,” stated President Museveni.

President Museveni additionally, upon learning of King Charles III’s health status from Prince Edward during the meeting, President Museveni extended his heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the king.

Prince Edward, on his part, expressed his interest in Uganda and mentioned his intention to return with his family to further explore the country. He specifically expressed a desire to visit Uganda’s renowned gorillas, recognizing the significance of promoting tourism for both nations.

Amid discussions on economic cooperation, Prince Edward shared insights into the Commonwealth’s efforts to engage youth through leadership programs. He highlighted the Youth Leadership Program, passed during the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which aims to encourage greater involvement of young people.

“We are also trying to encourage the Commonwealth to work more with young people through the Youth Leadership Program, which was passed during the last CHOGM,” said Prince Edward, who serves as the chair/patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a position previously held by his late father, Prince Philip, who founded the program in 1956.

The Duke of Edinburgh further informed the President that his visit to Uganda aimed to raise awareness of the award and the impact of non-formal education and learning frameworks that can encourage young people to find their purpose, passion, and place in the world. He emphasized the transformative effect this youth initiative has had on hundreds of young people, empowering them to effect 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 youth without limits, regardless of background, culture, or ability. We believe in bringing communities together, sharing skills, and creating opportunities,” expressed Prince Edward.

Mr. Blick William, the 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 highlighted their ambitious goals to expand their reach and called for support from both corporate sponsors and the government to catalyze youth development across the nation.

“With ambitious goals to expand our reach, we aim to leverage support from both corporate sponsors and the government to catalyze youth development across the nation,” Mr. Blick explained. “We have had more than 4,300 active members in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program in Uganda, and our target is to reach 150,000 in the next couple of years with support from corporate sponsors and see whether we can work with our government.”

Taking the opportunity, Mr. Blick requested the President to become the patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program in Uganda, emphasizing the significant impact it would have on its future.

Showing his support for youth-focused initiatives, President Museveni accepted the role of patron for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Uganda, recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

“I was not aware of this program, but I can see that these are social linkages that are very important. I am now well informed and mobilized about the program, and I accept to be the patron,” stated the President.

H.E. Airey reaffirmed the enduring bond between the UK and Uganda, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration across generations. She echoed President Museveni’s vision for youth empowerment and highlighted successful models from the UK that could be adapted and implemented in Uganda.

The meeting between President Museveni and Prince Edward showcased the commitment of both Uganda and the UK to strengthen bilateral ties, foster economic cooperation, and empower the youth for a prosperous future.