The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, has expressed interest in Uganda, saying that he will return with his family to explore the country further.
He made the remarks on Monday evening while meeting President Museveni at State House Entebbe.
He particularly noted his desire to visit Uganda’s famed gorillas, recognizing the significance of promoting tourism for both nations.
Prince Edward is the chair/ patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a title that was previously held by his late father, Prince Philip, who founded the programme in 1956.
The Duke of Edinburgh further informed the President that his visit to Uganda is aimed at raising awareness of the award as well as on the impact of non-formal education and learning framework that can encourage young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world.
Mr. Blick William, the chairperson of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Uganda elaborated on the organisation’s mission which is to empower young Ugandans through service and skill development.
“With ambitious goals to expand our reach, we aim to leverage support from both corporate sponsors and the government to catalyse youth development across the nation,” he said.
“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.”
Mr. Blick also used the occasion to request the President to become the patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program in Uganda, noting that this would have a great impact on its future.
Expressing his support for such youth-focused initiatives, the President 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 mobilised about the program and I accept to be the patron,” he noted.
H.E Airey reaffirmed the enduring bond between the UK and Uganda, emphasising the need for sustained collaboration across generations.
She echoed President Museveni’s vision for youth empowerment, highlighting successful models from the UK that could be adapted and implemented in Uganda.
