British High Commissioner salutes Uganda on religious tolerance

KAMPALA - There was joy as the British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, paid a courtesy call on Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, the titular head of the Muslim community in Uganda.

Chesney arrived at Nakibinge’s residence in Kibuli at about 10:20am on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. She was welcomed by Nakibinge, and they later engaged in a closed-door meeting that lasted about two hours.

Nakibinge subsequently led her on a guided tour of the prestigious and historical Kibuli Grand Mosque.

Speaking to the media, Chesney saluted Uganda on religious tolerance, saying it is one of the many things that have impressed her in the country.

“His Majesty the King is a strong supporter of interfaith activities and religious tolerance. One of the things that impresses me here in Uganda is religious tolerance,” Chesney said.

Without giving details, Chesney said they discussed a number of topics, including unity and development. She thanked Nakibinge for the warm welcome.

Explaining the purpose of the visit, Nakibinge said it was primarily about strengthening ties and cooperation between the British people and Ugandans in general, particularly the Buganda Kingdom and the Muslim community.

“Our discussion was centred on what brings us together as opposed to what divides us. We have looked at having respect for each other’s values and also how to encourage our people to uphold religious tolerance,” Nakibinge said.

Without giving details, Chesney said they discussed a number of topics, including unity and development. She thanked Nakibinge for the warm welcome. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)

Nakibinge said they also discussed ways to further improve intercultural understanding, in addition to exploring available business opportunities.

“This visit was basically about further strengthening the ties and cooperation between the British people and Ugandans in general, particularly the Buganda Kingdom and the Muslim community,” Nakibinge said.

He noted that Ugandans only need to improve the standard of their products, as the British market has already been made available to them.

“I have engaged her on the business opportunities available to our people, and she said we only need to improve on the standard of our products,” Nakibinge said.

Nakibinge commended the British government for the support it has offered to Uganda over the years.

“We want to thank the British government more sincerely for the cooperation and assistance you have given to our people and for having taken time to visit us. This is something we would like to grow in leaps and bounds,” Nakibinge said.