The British High Commission in Kampala hosted a distinguished reception to celebrate the 77th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, honouring his legacy of public service, environmental advocacy, and commitment to the Commonwealth.
Held at the residence of Lisa Chesney MBE, British High Commissioner to Uganda, the event brought together Government of Uganda ministers, senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, civil society, and friends of the United Kingdom.
The evening celebrated both the King's birthday and the evolving partnership between the UK and Uganda.
High Commissioner Lisa Chesney praised the King’s lifelong dedication to public duty and his global leadership on climate and environmental issues.
“His Majesty King Charles III has long championed the protection of our planet, earning recognition for his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and climate action. As we celebrate his 77th birthday, we also celebrate a shared vision with Uganda—of a greener, more sustainable future for all,” she said.
This year’s celebration was themed around wildlife and nature, reflecting the UK’s strong partnership with Uganda in climate action, environmental protection, and green growth.
Guests viewed photographs from the Natural History Museum’s world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, alongside images capturing Uganda’s rich biodiversity. The exhibition aimed to raise awareness about preserving natural heritage for future generations.
Held concurrently with this year’s Climate COP, the reception provided an opportunity to reflect on shared responsibility for climate action, the importance of nature in adaptation, and the value of sustainable livelihoods.
Nearly a decade after the Paris Agreement, the UK remains steadfast in tackling climate change—not only as a moral responsibility but as a driver of global prosperity, security, and public health.
The UK continues to pursue a legally binding Net Zero plan and is committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.
The country views green growth as an economic opportunity, anticipating that UK businesses delivering net-zero solutions could see the value of their goods and services reach £1 trillion by 2030.
Quoting UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s remarks at COP30, the High Commissioner underscored the shared vision:
“You don’t protect jobs and communities by sticking with the status quo. You don’t meet a challenge like climate change by standing still—you do it by embracing change, embracing the opportunities, and doing it together.”
Throughout the evening, several key UK–Uganda achievements were highlighted.
Over 1,300 Ugandan health workers have been trained through UK programmes, including the National Health Service. UK–supported clean cooking initiatives have reached more than 20 million people.
More than 50 British Chamber of Commerce member companies currently operate in Uganda, employing over 20,000 people.
The UK has also mobilised US$22 million in private capital to support Uganda’s agro-industrialisation agenda and improve climate resilience for more than 170,000 individuals in Northern Uganda.
In addition, the UK Export Finance portfolio supporting Uganda stands at nearly £800 million, contributing to the development of vital infrastructure.
The reception featured a vibrant fusion of British and Ugandan culture, with wildlife displays, British–Ugandan culinary highlights, and music celebrating the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The High Commission also recognised the contributions of the Ugandan–British community and the Ugandan diaspora in the UK, whose efforts continue to strengthen cultural ties, drive innovation, and expand opportunities.
As COP30 proceeds, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising climate finance for Uganda. The celebration served as a powerful reminder of unity, shared purpose, and the role of diplomacy in addressing the defining challenges of our time.