The UK’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins visits uganda

The United Kingdom has once again shown its strong support for Uganda’s growth. On April 3rd and 4th, the UK’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, visited Uganda to deepen the relationship between the two countries. His visit focused on trade, green development, health research, and stronger connections between people.

New UK-Uganda Growth Dialogue Launched

One of the biggest announcements from Lord Collins' visit was the launch of the UK-Uganda Growth Dialogue. This will be a series of regular (quarterly) meetings between the UK and Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. These talks aim to improve the business environment and economic policies, unlock trade barriers, and create new investment opportunities. Both countries hope this will lead to more trade and stronger economic partnerships.

Lord Collins also visited Zembo, a top electric vehicle company in Uganda. Zembo has received funding from UK Innovate and the Private Infrastructure Development Group. With this support, the company is helping more people use electric motorcycles and zero-emission vehicles. These bikes help boda boda riders save about $500 a year in fuel and repair costs. They also help reduce air pollution. This kind of investment is important for Uganda’s move towards clean, green transport and it creates new job opportunities.

New Direct Flights After 10 Years

Another major highlight of the visit was the celebration of direct flights between Uganda and the UK. For the first time in ten years, there are now direct flights between Entebbe and London Gatwick, thanks to Uganda Airlines.

At a special reception, Lord Collins and Uganda Airlines praised this step, saying it will help increase trade, tourism, and connections between people from both nations. He called it a big moment in building even stronger ties.

Advancing Health Research at UVRI

Lord Collins also visited the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI). This institute has had a 35-year partnership with the UK and is known for big achievements in fighting diseases like HIV/AIDS and Ebola. UVRI has over £25 million in ongoing support from UK universities and the UK’s Medical Research Council. It works with many experts, including the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and helps Uganda improve its disease tracking and medical research.

Speaking about his visit, Lord Collins said, “This trip shows the UK’s strong promise to work as equal partners with Uganda. We want to support sustainable development and help both our countries grow together.” His visit focused on building trust, creating jobs, supporting innovation, and helping Uganda develop in a clean and modern way.