Princess Royal ends four-day visit to Uganda

Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal has completed a four-day visit to Uganda which showcased the UK’s ongoing partnership with Uganda across many sectors, including health, education, agriculture and business, a statement issued on Friday by the British High Commissioner to Uganda, Kate Airey OBE stated.

“It has been a tremendous pleasure to host Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal on her third visit to Uganda, to celebrate the UK-Uganda partnership on this 60th anniversary of Independence,” the statement read.

She concluded her visit by visiting Sense International offices in Ntinda, Kampala, one of the organizations that fund Salaama School for the Blind in Mukono where fire gutted a girls’ dormitory, killing 11 pupils on the spot and injuring several others.

The Princess Royal, the organization’s patron, was accompanied by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence and Kate, among other officials.

Princess Anne speaking

On the tragic incident, the statement reads, “Following a tragic fire at Salaama School for the Blind on Monday, HRH the Princess Royal concluded her visit by meeting with Sense International representatives and with families it supports. HRH the Princess Royal paid her respects to those affected”.

Norbert Mao, Dianah Atwiine and Doroth Kisaka at the reception

Earlier on Thursday, she attended the reception to celebrate the UK-Uganda 60’s of partnership held at the High Commissioner’s residence along Kyadondo Road in Nakasero, Kampala.

At the reception, she met with many who cherish that relationship including scholars, businesses, Government of Uganda officials, other Commonwealth High Commissioners, and representatives from many other charities she is engaged with.

Left to right, Henry Basaliza, minister in the Tooro Kingdom, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and former leaders of opposition, Winnie Kiiza and Prof. Ogenga Latigo

The reception served to highlight issues important to the princess, including promoting
conservation and ensuring the protection of Uganda's refugee population.

She interacted with the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, ministers, Norbert Mao, Jim Muhwezi, Ruth Nankabirwa, Beatrice Anywar, the Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, the Executive Director of KCCA Dorothy Kisaka, the Permanent Secretary health ministry Dr Diana Atwine, former leaders of opposition Prof. Ogenga Latigo and Winnie Kiiza, among others.

Ugandan sports personalities including Halima Nakaayi, Winnie Nanyondo, Husnar Kukundakwe, David Emong and the President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, William Blick attended the function and interacted with the Princess Royal.

According to Kate’s statement, ‘the visit to Uganda by the Royal Princess presented an opportunity to meet with President Museveni and to experience, again, the warmth of Ugandan hospitality and a chance to see first-hand the partnerships forged by Save the Children, Opportunity International, Sense International and Transaid; all charities of which the Princess is a patron’.

Minister Nobert mao introducing Dr. Diana Atwiine and Dorothy Kisaka to the guests

“I extend my thanks to all of the individuals working to deliver sustainable improvements in the lives of some of Uganda’s most vulnerable,” the statement reads in parts.

Touring the Medical Research Council (MRC) / UVRI laboratories, the Princess Royal appreciated the long-standing links to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and observed how partnerships with leading UK academic institutions have supported cutting-edge research initiatives in infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Henry Basaliza from the Tooro Royal Kingdom interacting with Princess Anne

Princess Anne interacting with officials of the wildlife

As Chancellor of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the princess met staff to learn more about the MRC Unit’s mandate to conduct high-quality, research that contributes to the development of strong health protocols in the control of infectious and non-communicable diseases, including recent COVID-19 research which help to saves lives, according to the statement.

She added that as patron of Save the Children, Opportunity International, Sense International and Transaid, the Princess Royal saw first-hand the UK-Uganda partnership in action.

KCCA executive director, Dorothy Kisaka and Dr. Diana Atwiine interacting with the Princess Royal

Princess Anne interacting with Halima Nakaayi, winnie Nanyondo and Kukundakwe, sports personalities

She also witnessed Uganda’s welcoming approach to refugees – the largest refugee population in Africa - and the support provided by British charities.

In Nakivale refugee settlement, she opened the first branch of Opportunity International Bank in the settlement, marking a milestone for financial access and she subsequently saw how Opportunity International’s bank loans have supported the ‘Unleashed Youth Employment Project’s refugee entrepreneurs.

Princess Anne with former minister Miria Matembe and minister for the environment, Beatrice Anywar

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and ministers Jim Muhwezi and Norbert Mao with Princess Anne.

Prime Minister robinah Nabbanja and minister Jim Muhwezi with Princess Anne. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

She also met with Wenzetu Women’s Group to discuss how Opportunity International has worked with the group to assist families of people with disabilities.

Her trip also included a visit to Kyangwali refugee settlement to observe projects for refugees and host communities led by Save the Children, visiting the Maratutu Education Centre and Child-Friendly Space project, and providing support to children affected by conflict and displacement.

Prime Minister Robinah nabbanja and Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago at the reception

Minister Norbert Mao and Prime Minister Robinah nabbanja at the reception

At the settlement, she met facilitators and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Child Protection Programme leads working with the Government of Uganda to deliver stability and support mechanisms to the most vulnerable.

She also visited Transaid, where she met women trainee Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers taking part in the ‘Safe Way Right Way’ campaign, launched in 2013 in response to the demands for HGV drivers.

Princess Anne interacting with members of the Brass for Africa band during reception at the British high commission in Nakasero on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence interacting with members of the Brass for Africa band during reception at the British high commission in Nakasero on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

Transaid’s work provides focus on road safety campaigns and provides inclusive access to employment for women while filling gaps in the transport sector.