British High Commissioner to Uganda, Her Excellency Lisa Chesney, hosted a networking reception at her residence in Nakasero to celebrate Ugandan innovators and socio-champions recognised by the United Kingdom for their contributions to social impact, sustainability, and innovative solutions to global challenges. During the event, 19-year-old Ugandan climate activist Pascal Ahaisibwe was awarded the King’s Trust International’s Global Sustainability Award, making him the first Ugandan recipient of this prestigious prize. Pascal was recognised for his plastic waste recycling initiative, which transforms collected plastic into reusable items such as flower bowls and dustbins, reducing landfill waste in his community around Mabira Forest by 80%.
Pascal, a graduate of the Enterprise Challenge programme supported by King’s Trust International and the Asante Africa Foundation, emphasised the importance of small, local actions in driving sustainability. The programme provides young Ugandans with entrepreneurial mentorship and training, and this year aims to support 1,650 participants across Uganda. Deborah Namugenyi, Country Director for Asante Africa Foundation Uganda, highlighted Pascal’s journey as an example of how the programme equips rural youth with essential skills and creates lasting impact through entrepreneurial initiatives.
The reception also featured Ugandans who have received honours such as the OBE, MBE, Points of Light Award, Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, Commonwealth Youth Awards, and participation in programmes like One Young World Ambassadors, Climate Finance Accelerator, and Ambassador for a Day. Among them was Vivian Arinaitwe, Uganda’s sole finalist in the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, recognised for her NeoNest neonatal warming and monitoring device, now used in over 100 health facilities nationwide to prevent neonatal deaths.
The gathering underscored the UK’s commitment to fostering collaboration among Ugandan changemakers across various sectors, providing a platform to exchange ideas and explore joint solutions on sustainability, innovation, and climate. British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney praised Pascal’s achievements as an example of local action driving global change and celebrated the broader cohort of Ugandan innovators making socio-economic impacts through creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability-focused initiatives.
Sustainability forms a key part of the UK-Uganda partnership, encompassing conservation, nature, and green innovation. The High Commission supports initiatives such as the Wildlife Rangers Challenge, promoting wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, and eco-tourism. Additionally, the High Commissioner participated in the Rhino Naming Ceremony organised by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Tourism Board, symbolising the UK’s support for wildlife protection and eco-tourism, while helping to market Uganda’s conservation efforts globally.
King’s Trust International (KTI), founded in 2015 by King Charles III, operates globally to tackle unemployment and advance Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education and decent work. In Uganda, KTI began its Enterprise Challenge programme in early 2022, delivered in partnership with the Asante Africa Foundation, supporting young people to develop skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial mindsets to create sustainable livelihoods. Over the last decade, KTI programmes have reached over 100,000 individuals in 20 countries within the Commonwealth and beyond.
