First Lady and British high commissioner discuss cooperation in education

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The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni, expressed hope that the current review of foreign aid by Western countries would not affect existing human capital development interventions.

"I am aware that globally, the times we are in these days are quite dynamic, especially with governments in the developed world reviewing their foreign aid assistance, occasioned by either a freeze in aid or significant reduction in aid across the globe," she said.

The First Lady made these remarks while meeting with the British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, during a courtesy call at State House Nakasero on Wednesday, 5th March.

The three State Ministers—Dr. JC Muyingo (Higher Education), Dr. Joyce Kaducu (Primary Education), and Peter Ogwang (Sports)—along with senior technical officers led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, attended the meeting.

Chesney, who began her tour of duty in Uganda in October 2024, was accompanied by Phil Elks—Team Leader for Humanitarian and Human Development Team—and Ichumar Sylvia, the Social Development and Education Lead at the High Commission.

During the engagement, Mrs. Museveni expressed to the British High Commissioner her prayer that the original purpose of the United Kingdom's educational support in Uganda would continue to guide decisions about foreign aid, particularly given the ongoing needs.

"Therefore, Your Excellency the High Commissioner, we count on you to be our voice in places where we may not be participating as a country in discussions about the current ongoing review of foreign aid assistance by several developed countries, including, but not limited to, the United Kingdom," she stated according to release  from her office.

The media release adds that Mrs. Museveni requested the High Commissioner's support in securing the multilateral Global Partnership for Education (GPE-II) Grant for Uganda to fund planned Ministry of Education and Sports projects.

She highlighted the need to rehabilitate traditional public secondary schools built during colonial times, which have served the country well but can no longer accommodate Uganda's growing student population.

She noted that the former British High Commissioner Kate Airey had given the country hope for the revival of the second round of GPE financing. 

Uganda remains optimistic about securing the GPE-II Grant to fund these and other interventions to improve access to quality education.

Mrs. Museveni lauded the GPE-I programme's success in building and expanding over 140 primary schools nationwide.

Seated, from left to right: The three State Ministers - Peter Ogwang (Sports), Dr. Joyce Kaducu (Primary Education), and Dr. JC Muyingo (Higher Education); First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni; British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney; Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda; and Phil Elks, Team Leader for Humanitarian and Human Development Team. Standing: senior technical officers from the Ministry and the High Commission. State House, Nakasero. PPU Photo.

In her remarks Mrs. Museveni thanked the Government and the British people for the partnership with Uganda over the years and for the various programs implemented together. 

"The programs are so good for our children and we can’t thank you enough, really," she said.

She highlighted the Community-Led Learning programme, which provided remedial education during COVID-19 school closures. 

She also expressed appreciation for the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships and advocated for student exchange programs between Ugandan and UK universities to foster mutual learning and stronger relations.

Mrs. Museveni further praised the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Fund, co-founded and primarily funded by the UK, for its crucial support of refugee children's education in Uganda.

"So, I want you to know that we value all these projects and we can't thank you enough," Mrs. Museveni said, expressing hope for continued positive relations.

Chesney acknowledged the current dynamic times, changing world order, and widespread uncertainty. 

She mentioned the UK Prime Minister's recent announcement of aid cuts and the government's increased focus on defence and homeland security. 

Nevertheless, she affirmed both governments' commitment to education and continued collaboration.

The High Commissioner  shared positive news about ongoing work with the World Bank in Washington, suggesting that the previously delayed GPE-II funding might be released within the coming months.

She emphasized how their shared focus on growth and job creation would benefit Uganda's agenda by ensuring employment opportunities for graduates, thus promoting economic growth.

Regarding refugee support,  she commended Uganda's notably progressive Refugee Policy in the region.

The British Envoy detailed several ongoing UK-funded initiatives, including the British Council's Language for Resilience programme, which enhances language skills among refugee children and educators while improving classroom performance and engagement.

She outlined the British Council's Schools Connect Programme, which strengthens education through international partnerships, ICT training, and teacher development. 

Additional initiatives include the English Connects Programme, focusing on environmental education and sustainability, and Non-Formal Education Social Projects, which have trained over 10,000 youth in addressing climate challenges.

The British Envoy highlighted her government's role in supporting Uganda's Lower Secondary Curriculum development and implementation.

As current chair of the Education Development Partners, the British High Commission team pledged to maintain collaboration with other partners to advance education reforms in Uganda.