The British High Commission in Kampala hosted a distinguished reception to celebrate the 77th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, honouring his enduring legacy of public service, environmental stewardship, and commitment to the Commonwealth.
Held at the residence of H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE, British High Commissioner to Uganda, the event brought together Government of Uganda ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, civil society, and friends of the UK.
The evening was a celebration not only of His Majesty’s birthday but also of the deep and evolving partnership between the UK and Uganda.
High Commissioner Lisa Chesney paid tribute to the King’s lifelong dedication to public duty and his pioneering role as a global climate advocate.
“His Majesty King Charles III has long championed the protection of our planet, earning accolades 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.”
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 a selection of photographs from the Natural History Museum’s world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Alongside these were photos showcasing Uganda’s rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The exhibition is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the importance of protecting natural heritage for future generations.
Held concurrently with this year’s Climate COP, the reception was also a moment to reflect on shared responsibility for climate action and the importance of nature for adaptation and sustainable livelihoods.
Nearly a decade since the Paris Agreement, the UK remains steadfast in tackling climate change not only as a moral imperative but also as a driver of global prosperity, security, and health.
With a legally binding Net Zero plan, the UK is committed to being carbon neutral by 2050. The country sees economic opportunity in greening business while future-proofing against climate shocks such as floods and erosion. For example, UK businesses contributing to the global net-zero transition could see the value of their goods and services reach £1 trillion by 2030.
As Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, said during his COP30 remarks: “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.”
Other UK–Uganda achievements recognised over the course of the evening include training over 1,300 Ugandan health workers through UK programmes or the UK’s National Health Service, and raising awareness of clean cooking options in partnership with government and the private sector, reaching over 20 million people.
Others include: over 50 British Chamber of Commerce member businesses operating in Uganda, employing more than 20,000 people; supporting Uganda’s agro-industrialisation ambitions by mobilising US$22 million of private capital for SMEs; improving climate resilience for over 170,000 individuals in Northern Uganda; and helping build much-needed infrastructure, with the UK Export Finance portfolio now standing at almost £800 million.
The evening was a vibrant fusion of British and Ugandan culture, showcasing wildlife and nature, British–Ugandan culinary delights, and music and cultural expressions that celebrated the strong friendship between the two nations.
The High Commission also used the occasion to recognise the contributions of the Ugandan–British community and the Ugandan diaspora in the UK, whose efforts continue to strengthen cultural ties, foster innovation, and build bridges of opportunity.
The UK continues engagement across the public and private sectors to mobilise much-needed climate finance for Uganda. As COP30 gets underway, the celebration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, shared purpose, and the role of diplomacy in addressing the defining challenges of our era.
