What matters to Ugandans matters to us also, says UK envoy

KAMPALA - The British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney MBE, has said they are well-positioned to support the East African country in areas of shared interests because what matters to Ugandans matters to them as well.

She said the shared interests include enhancing value addition, leveraging Uganda Airlines' direct flights to London and strengthening existing trade frameworks.

“The UK is well-positioned to support Uganda. What matters to you, matters to us,” she said on Monday (MAY 12), while hosting the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) team at her residence in Nakasero, Kampala.

She noted in a meeting on Monday, May 12, that focused on strengthening trade relations and unlocking mutual economic growth, that growth in the services sector could accelerate job creation.

The PACEID team was led by its chairman, Odrek Rwabwogo, who doubles as the senior presidential advisor on special duties.

Rwabwogo raised concerns about non-tariff barriers, particularly the challenges Ugandan exporters face in meeting UK market certification standards despite Uganda’s duty-free access to the UK.

Emphasising that the UK is a priority market for Uganda's exports, Rwabwogo also outlined PACEID’s strategy for increasing Uganda’s exports, anchored on four key pillars.

These pillars are: market development, product standards, export infrastructure and export financing.

Another PACEID goal is the creation of one million jobs by 2034, Rwabwogo told the ambassador.

Chesney expressed interest in PACEID’s priority products and markets to achieve these targets. 

PACEID, which was commissioned in March 2022 by President Yoweri Museveni, is coordinated by the Office of the President.