This week, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, received copies of letters of credence from Ms. Lisa Chesney MBE, the new High Commissioner-designate of the United Kingdom to Uganda.
The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Kampala. In his remarks, Hon. Gen. Odongo warmly welcomed High Commissioner Chesney to Uganda, fondly referred to as the Pearl of Africa, and underscored the deep-rooted ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
He praised the longstanding partnership between the two countries, highlighting the UK’s significant contributions to Uganda’s social and economic development over the years.
“The United Kingdom has been an enduring and steadfast partner to Uganda.
Through various development programs and initiatives, the UK has supported our efforts to enhance social and economic growth, strengthen institutions, and improve the livelihoods of our people. We are confident that, under your tenure, our bilateral
relations will grow even stronger,” stated Hon. Gen. Odongo.
The Minister reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to further strengthening these relations, with particular emphasis on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, education, health, and governance.
He expressed optimism that the new High Commissioner would continue to advance Uganda-UK collaboration, ensuring tangible benefits for both nations.
Ms. Lisa Chesney, MBE, conveyed her appreciation for the warm welcome and expressed her enthusiasm to serve in Uganda.
She reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining and deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
“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. Our two countries have a rich history of cooperation”, said High Commissioner Chesney.
She further emphasized the UK’s dedication to supporting Uganda’s efforts in tackling pressing global challenges such as climate change, ensuring sustainable development, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
“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.
The meeting concluded with both parties reiterating the importance of continued cooperation on global and regional issues.
As High Commissioner Chesney embarks on her diplomatic tour of duty, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses confidence in the deepening of bilateral relations for the mutual prosperity of both Uganda and the United Kingdom.
Factfile:
H.E Chesney was most recently High Commissioner to Sierra Leone from August 2021 – 2024. She has experience with a range of countries, multilateral partners and government departments, encompassing diplomatic, security and defence and development issues. Prior to Sierra Leone, she served in the Home Office, leading the UK’s Counter Extremism Unit from 2018 and acting as Gold Command for the Crime, Policing and Fire Group on COVID-19.
In the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), she served as Deputy Head Security Policy, leading on strategic security issues and delivery of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. H.E Chesney has also headed the Prevent Team within the Counter-Terrorism Department, FCDO. She has previously been posted to Mogadishu, as Deputy Head of Mission, re-establishing a UK embassy in Somalia and to Afghanistan, as UK Head of Politics and Strategic Communications in the Provincial Reconstruction Team, in Helmand Province. She has also held corporate and change management leadership roles and worked internationally in the private sector before joining the diplomatic service.
As the British High Commissioner to Uganda Designate, H.E Lisa Chesney will be the UK Government’s representative in Uganda. She will be responsible for steering the direction and agenda of the High Commission, including diplomatic and development priorities.
According to the British High Commission Kampala, Chesney’s expertise and leadership will be instrumental in steering the relationship between the His Majesty’s Government and the Government of Uganda and to deep collaboration on critical issues such as economic growth, climate, security and development.
