By Patriot corps
Entebbe; In a diplomatic rendezvous at State House Entebbe, President Yoweri Museveni welcomed His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, to Uganda on Monday afternoon. The meeting served as a platform for discussions on bolstering economic ties and promoting youth empowerment initiatives between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
Prince Edward, a member of the British royal family and youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Philip, reciprocated President Museveni’s warm reception by expressing his keen interest in further exploring Uganda. Notably, he expressed his intent to return with his family to delve deeper into the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage, particularly its famed gorillas, underscoring the potential for tourism cooperation between the two nations.
During the meeting, President Museveni conveyed his eagerness to collaborate with British investors and attract more tourists from the United Kingdom, highlighting the economic opportunities awaiting exploration. He reiterated his directive to the British High Commissioner to Uganda, Kate Airey, to facilitate the engagement of British companies and tourists, underscoring the priority placed on fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
Furthermore, President Museveni extended his heartfelt wishes for the swift recovery of King Charles III upon learning of his health status from Prince Edward. The gesture underscored the enduring goodwill between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
In a significant development, Prince Edward shared insights into the Commonwealth’s efforts to engage youth through leadership programs, notably the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. He emphasized the transformative impact of this initiative in empowering young people to effect positive change within their communities, echoing its mission to foster service and skill development among Ugandan youth.
Mr. Blick William, chairperson of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Uganda, elaborated on the organization’s mission to empower young Ugandans, expressing ambitious goals to expand its reach with support from corporate sponsors and the government. He seized the occasion to request President Museveni to become the patron of the program in Uganda, a role the President graciously accepted, recognizing its importance in nurturing the next generation of leaders.
In reaffirming the enduring bond between the UK and Uganda, British High Commissioner Kate Airey echoed President Museveni’s vision for youth empowerment, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration across generations and the sharing of successful models from the UK that could be adapted and implemented in Uganda.
The meeting between President Museveni and Prince Edward signals a renewed commitment to strengthen bilateral relations, promote economic cooperation, and empower youth, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration between Uganda and the United Kingdom in the years to come.